The Brooklyn Nets are primed for a fire sale now that they’ve committed to rebuilding after moving Mikal Bridges. The next player most likely to be traded is Cam Johnson, a versatile 6’8 forward known for his exceptional ability to space the floor. Johnson, despite being slated to receive about $68 million over the next three years, should generate a lot of interest on the market, with the Golden State Warriors among those interested in the Nets forward, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
The Warriors, on the other hand, aren’t Johnson’s top suitors, with Lewis describing them as a “dark horse” contender in a trade for his talents, among the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors. However, the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic are also reportedly “interested” in the Nets forward.
Cam Johnson had a dismal season in 2023-24 as the Nets finished with a disappointing 32 wins. He averaged only 13.4 points per game on 44.6 percent shooting, which was worse than his stats after joining the Brooklyn Nets in the Kevin Durant deal. Johnson, on the other hand, remained a high-level marksman from deep, averaging 2.4 triples a night last season at a 39.1 percent clip and rescuing his overall scoring efficiency with a 58.2 true shooting percentage.
Any team considering dealing for Johnson (including the Warriors) should be aware of his injury history. Johnson suffered with a few lingering injuries last season, limiting him to only 58 games, and his hip injury history caused teams pause in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Will the Warriors make a move for Cam Johnson?
It should be noted that the Golden State Warriors will not make any additional moves this summer until the Lauri Markkanen problem is settled. The Warriors are still pursuing the Utah Jazz star, but the Jazz have refused to lower their asking price, causing trade talks to stall.
If the Dubs do not obtain Markkanen, they could consider acquiring Cam Johnson from the Nets. Andrew Wiggins has struggled over the last two seasons, and the Warriors may see Johnson’s shooting and off-ball influence as more valuable than what the current Wiggins can provide.
Nonetheless, with Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson on board, the Warriors aren’t in desperate need of Johnson’s contributions. Johnson’s size and shooting ability are impressive, but is he worth trading up Wiggins’ 3-and-D potential for, especially given how well Wiggins performed during the Dubs’ 2022 championship run? Wiggins is only 29 years old, so he’s not passed his peak.
Among Johnson’s reputed suitors, the Lakers, Kings, and Magic make the most sense as possible destinations for the Nets’ sharpshooter. LeBron James-led teams always benefit from high-level floor spacing, the Kings need a three-and-D wing with Harrison Barnes’ departure, and the Magic’s biggest weakness remains outside shooting, which Johnson can help with in spades.
If anything, the Magic should make a move because it could help them solidify talent amid a few positional deadlocks. However, with the injury-prone Jonathan Isaac already on the roster, the prospect of getting Johnson may give them pause.
