The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly seeking more for small forward Cameron Johnson than the six second-round picks they received in trades involving Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s NBA Insiders.
The 28-year-old checks off three major boxes for potential playoff teams, per ESPN’s NBA Insiders:
- He plays a position of importance and need.
- He is under a team-friendly contract over the next three seasons ($22.5 million, $20.5 million and $22.5 million).
- He is enjoying a career year, averaging 19.5 points on 49.6 percent shooting from the field and 43.6 percent from beyond the arc.
However, one challenge for teams restricted by the salary cap threshold is Johnson’s $4.5 million in unlikely bonuses, according to ESPN’s NBA insiders.
“For example, a trade with Golden State would involve Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Brandin Podziemski and a 2026 top-eight-protected first match in salary,” ESPN’s NBA Insiders reported. “However, because bonuses count toward the apron, the trade is not legal.”
The Nets’ previous trades have also influenced their perspective on Johnson’s value.
Brooklyn traded Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks. Additionally, the team sent Dennis Schröder and a second-round pick to the Golden State Warriors in return for De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman and three second-round picks.
Despite the challenges, Johnson remains highly sought after on the trade market and has been linked to several teams including the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein previously reported that the Nets were “seeking multiple first-round picks” in exchange for Johnson, but it appears his trade value has increased as the Feb. 6 deadline approaches.
