NBA Trade Rumors: Potential LA Lakers target's employers could demand multiple first-round picks, per insider

The LA Lakers have several ideal trade candidates, but it won't be cheap for them to make the acquisitions. According to the latest NBA trade rumors, Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson, a potential option, might need multiple first-round picks to get the deal done. Insider Evan Sidery mentioned the Nets' asking price for their coveted wing in his latest tweet, saying:

"The Nets will hold a very strong asking price for Cam Johnson in potential trade talks. It will likely take at least multiple first-round picks or an enticing young prospect alongside draft capital for Brooklyn to listen. The 28-year-old wing is under contract through 2026-27."

Johnson signed a four-year $94.5 million contract with the Nets in July 2023. That move was to seemingly ensure Brooklyn recoups as much value as possible out of a potential trade for him.

Johnson, 28, is among the most coveted role players because of his solid 3-and-D ability. He's the ideal fit as a starting wing on almost every team.

In the 2024-25 season, Johnson is shooting 48.7%, including 41.7% from 3, tallying a career-high 17.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

---

NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting LA Lakers' potential package for Cam Johnson

If the LA Lakers are hellbent on pursuing Cam Johnson, and the Brooklyn Nets' expectations are as reported by insider Evan Sidery, LA might have to part ways with their only two first-round picks. The Lakers own the 2027 and 2029 picks.

Another route could be attaching a young and enticing prospect with multiple seconds, and for the Nets, that could be 23-year-old Dalton Knecht. However, it's unlikely that the Lakers go for either deal. LA's goal with the picks is to add an All-Star caliber talent, and Johnson is widely considered a top-tier role player at best. On the other hand, Knecht has been a solid addition for the Lakers.

The team already lacks high-upside young players like him, and with his instant impact 18 games into his rookie season, LA is unlikely to part ways for an older role player.

Cam Johnson's health and availability are also questionable, as the Nets wing hasn't played 60+ games since 2021-22 when he was with the Phoenix Suns. He's dealt with multiple injuries since, limiting him to 100 appearances out of a possible 164 in the past two years.

The LA Lakers could get much better value for that price tag from other teams. Johnson is also owed $22.5M this season, which impacts LA's salary cap flexibility in making additional moves.

​