Following an early playoff exit, the Denver Nuggets may be especially active this summer. They are widely expected to trade Cam Johnson or Christian Braun to slash salary to re-sign Peyton Watson.
Between those two players, Johnson is more tradeable. In fact, a proposed deal with the Atlanta Hawks could see him be moved this summer.
The trade would see the Nuggets acquire Corey Kispert and Buddy Hield from the Hawks. In exchange, they would trade Zeke Nnaji and Cam Johnson.
The Nuggets slash salary in proposed Atlanta Hawks trade
With the Nuggets looking to pinch pennies, this deal could save them nearly $7 million. It would also give them two terrific shooters as well as finally getting off of Nnaji's salary.
It likely won't be enough to offset Watson's new salary were he to re-sign. Nevertheless, it would give them breathing room, financially. For the Hawks' part, they'd turn two good shooters into a better player in Johnson.
They'd have to take back Nnaji, but his salary is much more of an albatross to the Nuggets than it would be to the Hawks. If Atlanta isn't convinced about Kispert, who is under contract for three more years, this trade would allow them to get off him, with Johnson set to enter the final season of his deal.
Would the Nuggets and Hawks agree to the trade?
There is a lot to like for both teams, but would either team agree to the trade? The Nuggets get to turn a starter into two rotation players, save $7 million, and get off of Nnaji. That would be a great trade for Denver.
Meanwhile, the Hawks could consolidate Kispert and Hield into a better player in Johnson and save money long-term. They'd have to take back Nnaji's deal but would still be saving money in the trade.
All told, this deal seems like a win-win deal for both the Hawks and Nuggets. With Denver looking to cut costs while remaining competitive, this might be a smart move for them. Particularly if they are looking to hold onto Watson.
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