The Brooklyn Nets aren’t interested in lip service.
After trading away former franchise cornerstone Mikal Bridges in the offseason, the team is all-in with the rebuilding process, making multiple veterans available to amass draft capital. This strategy is also useful for tanking, which Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez apparently has no interest in. To that point, Brooklyn is 12-20, 12th in the Eastern Conference. However, they’ve fought hard, losing by 10 or fewer points in 12 games.
Nets Want Multiple First-Round Picks For Cam Johnson
Nets general manager Sean Marks has now traded away Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Shake Milton since he sent Bridges to their in-state rivals. Schroder, who was having a career year, was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in a transaction that netted Brooklyn a three second-round picks. Finney-Smith and Milton were able to fetch three second-round picks as well and will now play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to the The Stein Line insider Marc Stein, the Nets “are now said to be seeking multiple first-round picks” for Cam Johnson. Johnson is averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game in 2024-25 and knocking down 42.9 percent of his three-point attempts. With that being said, the 28-year-old is peaking at the right time in his career. Whether it takes him out of Brooklyn, he’s taking the same path as Bridges.
In the past, Johnson’s best attributes were his on-ball defense and three-point shooting. With his steady improvement and confidence in scoring off-the-dribble, his value increases tenfold. By being able to do more than play off of others, he’s an offensive weapon that requires more serious defenders. That makes it easier for his teammates, and other featured scorers in particular.
Johnson may not fetch six first-round picks like Bridges. Nonetheless, serious contenders could be willing to cough up at least one. With that in mind, there are several title hopefuls that could use his specific skillset.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are in a precarious position that only their first-round picks might help. Now 12th in the West, they’ve fired two-time Coach of the Year, Mike Brown. Doug Christie has taken over in the interim, his voice fresh to a team growing tired of Brown’s. However, with their problematic defense and Keegan Murray’s struggles from beyond the arc, they need an upgrade in the frontcourt.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors may have to decide whether they’re committed to the present or future sooner rather than later. With the team at a crossroads with Jonathan Kuminga, Johnson could help save the day. On paper, he meshes much better than Kuminga does with their current core, which should keep Stephen Curry happy.
Philadelphia 76ers
It might not be necessary to save their season. However, adding Johnson gives the Philadelphia 76ers a starter who can make up for Jared McCain’s absence while providing more size and defense. With Philly averaging just 106.6 points per game (27th in the NBA) and unable to rely on their stars right now, he’d be a great get.
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