NBA Trade Rumors: OKC Thunder 'very interested' in bolstering Shai-Gilgeous Alexander's supporting cast with $94.5 million forward
The OKC Thunder have emerged in the rumors for Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, who is receiving immense trade interest ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year finalist is amid a career year, averaging 19.1 points per game, 48.8 field goal percentage and 42.9 3-point percentage.
Among the half-dozen teams in the running for Johnson is the Oklahoma City Thunder, who could put together as good of a trade package as any other team in the NBA. On Tuesday morning, San Antonio Spurs insider Dusty Garza reported the Thunder are "very interested" in acquiring the 28-year-old forward, who is amid a four-year, $94.5 million deal. Garza took to X to share:
"The OKC Thunder are said to be very interested in acquiring Nets forward Cam Johnson. The Thunder are focused on a potential playoff rematch with the Mavericks, and see Johnson as the good fit for size, rebounding, and shooting. Last week @TheSteinLine reported similarly. #MFFL."
The Thunder boast the best record in the Western Conference at 26-5 but could bring in Cam Johnson to add some much-needed scoring from the wing. Through 30 games, Johnson is averaging 19.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting 48.8% from the field and 43% from 3-point range.
Oklahoma City has a plethora of draft capital that could be utilized in a trade for Johnson. Brooklyn's reported price tag on the rising star is something in the neighborhood of two first-round picks, a low asking price for the squad with the most draft capital in the NBA by far.
Johnson could make an instant impact in Oklahoma City as a score-first wing, and he fits in with their hard-nosed mentality defensively.
OKC Thunder win sixth straight with victory over Grizzlies
OKC hosted the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night with a five-game win streak on the line. The franchise has gotten out to the best start of any Western Conference team, entering Sunday's matchup with a 25-5 record through 30 games.
OKC carried the momentum from their five-game win streak into their matchup versus Memphis, overwhelming the Grizzlies on the way to a dominant 130-106 win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for Oklahoma City, scoring 35 points on efficient 14-of-19 shooting, adding seven assists, six rebounds and an eyebrow-raising four blocks on the defensive end.
Seven of Oklahoma City's 13 players finished the game scoring in double figures in the 24-point win. It was an equally dominant performance on the defensive end, as OKC forced 21 turnovers on their way to their 11th win in 12 games.