After spending more than two years with a struggling Brooklyn Nets squad, Cam Johnson is now preparing for the 2025-26 season as part of the Denver Nuggets, a team led by Nikola Jokic with serious championship hopes. This change has sparked new motivation in Johnson, who is eager to chase success alongside the Nuggets in Mile High City.
During his time with the Nets, Johnson stood out personally but never received the recognition he deserved due to the overall team‘s poor performance. Brooklyn finished last season with only 26 wins, while Johnson averaged 18.8 points per game, shooting 39% from three-point range. This figure might have been higher if the team had more offensive talent to share the floor with him.
Johnson recently expressed frustration at missing the postseason again:
Everybody out there having fun, I feel weak,
he said.
The disappointment was especially strong because Johnson has already experienced the NBA Finals atmosphere with the Phoenix Suns in 2021. Now, joining forces with Jokic, Johnson believes his opportunity to reach the playoffs and possibly win a title is more realistic than ever.
He added,
Playing 82 games, and not making the playoffs is tough,
continuing,
You just getting beaten up. But the playoff teams I’ve been on [Suns], you’re looking forward to what’s ahead. You get a boost.
Denver’s Trade for Johnson Signals Serious Intent
The Nuggets acquired Johnson by trading a future first-round draft pick and Michael Porter Jr. to the Nets, a move viewed as fairly balanced but potentially favoring Denver’s short-term championship goals. Jokic and the Denver organization are eager to capture a second title within four seasons, while Johnson is chasing his first NBA championship.
Johnson expressed his excitement about joining the team:
I’m really looking forward to that part about being in Denver,
he said.
It’s the expectations that you guys have, and those championship aspirations that we have as a group.
The Western Conference remains one of the most competitive in the league, with multiple teams able to contend for the title in 2026. The Oklahoma City Thunder, last season’s dominant force, return with almost the same roster. Despite this tough competition, Johnson regards the Nuggets as a top contender.
Johnson Confident Nuggets Are Strong Title Contenders
Last year, the Nuggets pushed the Thunder to a full seven-game series in the playoffs, showing they are on the cusp of breaking through to the next level. Johnson believes he can add the extra element needed to clear that final barrier to a championship.
The team’s core is already elite, even without Jokic receiving MVP recognition last season. When Jokic is performing at his peak, Denver becomes nearly unstoppable. Johnson discussed forming chemistry with his new teammates, telling fellow newcomer Tim Hardaway Jr.,
Obviously, we have to go in there and establish relationships with these guys because we’re gonna win together, lose together and everything in between. Just try to establish that team camaraderie as soon as possible, be ourselves and compete.
With a roster packed with some of the league’s top role-players and Jokic’s exceptional leadership, the Nuggets are poised to be serious contenders for the 2026 NBA Finals.