5 Contenders In Pursuit of Nets' Cam Johnson

The Brooklyn Nets are opening to trading Cam Johnson, says insider Shams Charania, and if that's the case, there is a huge market for the big 3-and-D forward. Evan Sidery lists five teams that have Johnson squarely on their radar.

The Nets’ trade market for Cam Johnson appears significant.

The Grizzlies, Magic, Kings, Lakers, and Warriors are among the contending teams who have checked in with the Nets on their sharpshooting wing.

If Brooklyn trades Johnson, they have the market to get what they desire. pic.twitter.com/b0ITPqafeA
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 10, 2024

LA Lakers
Golden State Warriors
Memphis Grizzles
Sacramento Kings
Orlando Magic

All five teams fancy themselves as playoff contenders of one kind or another. Adding the red-hot Johnson would go a long way to cementing that belief. Johnson is one of the best shooters in the Association this season, averaging career highs with 18.8 points and 43.4% shooting from long range.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed recently on the Hoop Collective podcast that an NBA general manager predicted that Johnson would be the “best player” moved by the trade deadline.

Many are saying that it'll take two first-rounders plus-plus to land the 28-year-old just entering his prime. He's also a contract with term, with two more years after this one at an average of $22 million.

For the Lakers, does D'Angelo Russell, Max Christie and those two firsts get it done, asks insider Jake Fischer?

Johnson was acquired by the Nets at the 2023 trade deadline as part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns.