Several teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings, are reportedly interested in trading for Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, as shared by NBA insider Marc Stein.
The Grizzlies are “frequently mentioned” by sources in the league as a possible destination for Johnson. However, after the Nets traded Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers instead of completing a deal with Memphis, Stein pointed out that it’s “unclear how eager the Grizzlies are to return to the trade table.”
Stein described the Pacers as “a team to watch” regarding a potential Johnson trade and confirmed that the Kings have also discussed a possible trade with the Nets. Currently, the Kings are not including rookie guard Devin Carter in these talks.
Johnson’s trade value has risen, as he’s averaging a career-high 19.5 points per game through 32 starts with the Nets. Brooklyn might look to trade him before the February 6 deadline. Stein has reported that the Nets are seeking “multiple first-round picks” in exchange for Johnson.
However, after both Finney-Smith and former Nets guard Dennis Schröder were traded for multiple second-round picks, Stein expressed doubt that the Nets would be able to secure such a large return. Still, the interest from various teams might help increase Johnson’s trade value ahead of the deadline.
Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints recently reported that the Grizzlies, Kings, Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Golden State Warriors have all contacted the Nets about a potential Johnson trade this season. Siegel also mentioned the Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat as potential suitors for Johnson.
There’s also a possibility that the Grizzlies could include former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart in a trade for Johnson. Some believe Memphis has turned down trade offers for Smart, possibly in hopes of sending him to Brooklyn, as noted by Siegel.
Sam Amick from The Athletic confirmed that Sacramento has had “extensive talks” with the Nets about Johnson.
However, trade discussions could stall if the Nets demand Carter in return. According to Stein, the Kings “value Carter highly.”
The Pacers might also want to acquire Johnson to improve their defense in the second half of the season. They could look to send a combination of Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin’s contracts as part of the deal.
With so many teams reportedly interested in Johnson, the Nets will likely try to drive up the price of this bidding war as much as they can before the February 6 deadline.
