NBA Rumors: Lakers, Magic and Kings reportedly interested in Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter; Warriors listed as "dark horses"
Amid the Brooklyn Nets' presumed rebuilding phase, sharpshooter Cameron Johnson is reportedly in high demand, with several aspiring NBA title contenders pursuing his services.
Earlier this offseason, Brooklyn traded star wing Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for a draft pick-centered package. The move seemingly signaled its shift toward a rebuild, with subsequent reports emerging about the availability of its other key veteran players.
Perhaps the Nets' most valuable remaining trade chip is Johnson, a 6-foot-8, 28-year-old, career 39.2% 3-point sniper. Last offseason, Johnson signed a team-friendly four-year, $94.5 million deal, locking him under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season. Thus, he marks a relatively low-risk trade target for teams seeking an outside shooting boost.
Per the New York Post's Brian Lewis' Monday report, the Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic and LA Lakers are "interested" in Johnson. Meanwhile, Lewis added that the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors or Golden State Warriors could be "dark horses" in the Johnson sweepstakes.
It's unclear which team has offered the best package for Johnson. However, given his reported popularity, it's looking increasingly likely he could be on the move before the start of next season.
Over 58 games this past season, Johnson averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 44.6%.
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Cameron Johnson not requesting a trade from Brooklyn
While Cameron Johnson has been heavily involved in trade rumors in recent weeks, it seemingly hasn't been by his own doing.
According to Johnson, he is open to playing for Brooklyn next season, but the situation is out of his control.
"I’ll just let whatever happens, happen," Johnson said. "Obviously, I think we have a pretty good group in Brooklyn that we can really start to grow something. If I’m staying, then I’m all-in, excited to play, excited to grow this group, and that’s where my head’s at right now. ... If something happens, then something happens."
The Nets are coming off an 11th-place (32-50) Eastern Conference finish. So, after losing their top player, Mikal Bridges, this offseason, they are projected to be a bottom-feeder next year.
Despite Johnson's apparent optimism, Brooklyn lacks high-upside young players and could be in store for a lengthy rebuild. Thus, given his age, the sharpshooter may be best served to land with a contending team that can better utilize his skill set.
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