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Nuggets Continue Roster Moves, Sign Former Champion After Recent Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Rainey | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 8:44 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets went into the offseason with many question marks after a puzzling end to their season. Despite having a top-four seed, the Nuggets fired head coach Michael Malone just days before the end of the regular season. Many wondered how they'd fare in the playoffs with an interim head coach, David Adelman.

Perhaps to some's shock, the Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs in seven games. In the next series, they took the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to seven games. Nikola Jokic did everything he could to will his team to the Western Conference Finals, but the Thunder emerged victorious.

Nuggets continue roster moves, sign former champion after recent trade

Some speculated how the Nuggets could improve their roster in the offseason. One of those answers came when Shams Charania announced that the Nuggets were sending Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson.

Porter Jr. dealt with a shoulder injury that severly limited him in the playoffs and his discomfort when shooting was visible. Now, they send him to Brooklyn for Thomas, who can get his own shot off the dribble at any time.

The Nuggers weren't done yet, however, as Shams Charania broke the news that the Nuggets were signing a former NBA Champion to their roster.

"Free agent Bruce Brown Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN," wrote Charania. "The 2023 NBA champion for the Nuggets returns to Denver. CAA's Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann finalized the deal tonight with the Nuggets."

Free agent Bruce Brown Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. The 2023 NBA champion for the Nuggets returns to Denver. CAA's Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann finalized the deal tonight with the Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/YZV094pUs0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Brown Jr. was an integral part of the Nuggets team that won the NBA Finals in 2023. Brown was the fourth-leading scorer for the Nuggets in the finals, averaging 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists and steals per game.

Not only do they bring in someone familiar with the system and high-pressure moments, they bring back a player who was beloved by the Denver fans. Shortly after winning the title, Brown Jr. signed a 2-year $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. Nuggets fans will be happy to have him back.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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