Nuggets Could Have Surprising Strategy in 2026 NBA Draft

It has been no secret that Cameron Johnson is the Nuggets player most likely to be traded this offseason. Even though every team around the league knows they likely have a shot of landing him, the Nuggets still need to get something valuable in return.

Could we see the Nuggets package Johnson and the 26th overall pick to move up on draft night? If the Nuggets are able to shed salary and acquire a higher draft pick, it would be a very successful night for that front office. However, outside of that scenario, I'm not sure how the Nuggets would move up.

To trade away Christian Braun, the Nuggets would have to attach the No. 26 pick, but they would certainly not get any better picks in return. Maybe if they are seriously looking at Aaron Gordon trade scenarios, then they could move up in the draft by parting with Mr. Nugget himself, but that is much less likely.

Who do the Nuggets target if they trade up?

The most obvious prospect worth trading up for is Michigan Wolverines product Morez Johnson Jr., who is a projected top-20 pick. The 6-foot-9 big man has a 7-foot-3 wingspan and elite athleticism, helping him be a high-impact and versatile defender.

Johnson Jr., simply put, is a winning basketball player. His defense alone will help him earn NBA minutes immediately, and even with some questions on offense, he would undoubtedly fit in Denver. His ability to play either power forward or a small-ball center is likely making the Nuggets' mouth water, especially with his rebounding, defense, and impressive post-oriented offense.

This blend of athleticism, length, and overall talent is hard to find, and the Nuggets would be very fortunate to land him in this year's draft.

Another prospect that the Nuggets could be eyeing in a trade-up scenario is Johnson Jr.'s Michigan teammate, Aday Mara, to fill their backup center position. Not to mention, the two-big lineup of Mara and Nikola Jokic would be a nightmare for opposing teams. They could also be looking at defensive-minded guys like Allen Graves or Jayden Quaintance to fill certain needs.

If the Nuggets are actually considering trading up on draft night, they must have a few players in mind who would be worth it. If they walked out of draft night with Johnson Jr., or any of these consensus top-20 prospects, it would be a huge win, depending on what they give up to get them.