New NBA Trade Rumors Reveal Cam Johnson Interest Amid LeBron James to Nuggets Buzz in Free Agency

The Denver Nuggets have reportedly declined multiple opportunities to trade Cam Johnson this offseason, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Saturday.

According to Stein and Fischer, "the Nuggets have rebuffed several trade offers from teams attempting to pry away Cam Johnson."

Stein and Fischer noted some rival teams had previously predicted the Nuggets would "prioritize" a trade for Christian Braun earlier this offseason.

"The timing was clearly suboptimal given Braun's injuries last season and the fact that his five-year deal is only just beginning in 2026-27," Stein and Fischer noted.

The news comes amid rumors connecting the Nuggets to free agent LeBron James.

Stein and Fischer reported Saturday the Nuggets remain one of the teams that feel they have a chance to sign James this offseason.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves feel they are also in the running to sign James alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, according to Stein and Fischer.

The Nuggets also have yet to reach a resolution with restricted free agent Peyton Watson, who Stein and Fischer reported is seeking $25 million in annual average salary on his next deal.

ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that re-signing Watson would likely take the Nuggets over the second apron unless the team moves out some salary.

Braun, who played just 44 games amid injury issues last season, is already signed at a $25 million average annual value through the 2030-31 season.

Johnson could be a more desirable trade candidate thanks to both his career-best 48 percent shooting from the field last season and his shorter contract. The 30-year-old is currently heading into the 2026-27 season on an expiring contract with a $23 million cap hit next season.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto recently reported Johnson has drawn trade interest from teams including the Lakers and Heat alongside the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic.

The Athletic's Sam Amick added the Dallas Mavericks to that list while reporting that rival teams "consistently" name Johnson "as the most likely candidate to be dealt."

Contract talks with Watson, extension negotiations with Nikola Jokić and the likelihood of signing James in free agency could all impact the likelihood the Nuggets seriously consider any of that interest this summer.