It’s a wonder that Michael Porter Jr.’s nickname isn’t “Trade Rumor,” because it seems like the Mizzou product has been on the block since the Denver Nuggets drafted him back in 2018.

The Nuggets' desire to turn Porter Jr. into a better two-way fit for the roster was well known, but no one was quite sure if they'd find a team willing to take on the remaining $79 million on his deal.

The Nuggets made a huge splash at the start of free agency on Monday night, trading away starting forward Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected first-round pick to the Nets for forward Cam Johnson, according to a league source. Denver also reached an agreement to sign free agent Bruce Brown, a key member of its 2023 championship squad.