NBA Rumors: Nuggets, Cam Johnson, Nets, Hawks, Luke Kennard, Bulls

In a notable early offseason swing, the Nuggets are sending Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson, per NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.

The deal clears over $13 million in salary for Denver, potentially giving the team access to the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception in free agency. That could prove crucial for a top-heavy roster that’s thin on bench depth.

On the court, Johnson may provide a better two-way fit for a Nuggets team built around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The 6-foot-8 wing posted a career-high 18.8 points and 3.4 assists per game in 2024–25 while shooting 39 percent from deep.

Porter, meanwhile, averaged 18.2 points and nearly 40 percent from three but continued to face questions about his defense and consistency.

Brooklyn, flush with cap space, will absorb Porter’s $38.3 million salary and still have roughly $17 million to spend. The 2032 unprotected pick is viewed as a high-upside asset, especially with Jokic set to be 37 that season.

The Nets, however, aren’t treating Porter as a cap casualty. They reportedly plan to keep him and see him as a key piece moving forward.

Hawks Add Kennard, Boost Wing Depth

Just hours after acquiring Nickeil Alexander-Walker in an NBA sign-and-trade, the Hawks reached an agreement with free agent Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million deal, per Charania.

Atlanta is using the bulk of its mid-level exception to bring in the 29-year-old sharpshooter, who shot 43.3 percent from three this past season and owns a career mark of 43.8 percent. Kennard played 65 games for the Grizzlies in 2024–25, averaging 8.9 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds.

He’s expected to slot in behind Jalen Johnson and offer another reliable floor-spacer around Trae Young, who played an active role in recruiting Kennard to Atlanta, according to Charania.

The Hawks, now loaded with perimeter scoring and flexibility, are signaling an aggressive approach as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Bulls Re-Sign Jones on Three-Year Deal

The Bulls are bringing back Tre Jones on a three-year, $24 million contract, per ESPN. The 24-year-old point guard joined Chicago at the NBA trade deadline in the deal that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento and quickly earned praise from head coach Billy Donovan.

In 18 games with the Bulls, Jones averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 assists while shooting a blistering 57.1 percent from the field. With Lonzo Ball headed to Cleveland and Josh Giddey likely to remain in a lead role, Jones is expected to anchor the second unit.

His poise and decision-making helped stabilize Chicago’s backcourt late in the year, and the new deal suggests the team views him as a key part of its future guard rotation.