Nets Receiving Trade Interest In Cam Johnson, Others; Warriors Reportedly In Play

The Brooklyn Nets, once thought to be deep in the rebuilding phase, might be in a better position than anyone realized.

Per Shams Charania of ESPN, they’ve started exploratory trade talks around Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dennis Schroder, and the Golden State Warriors are one of the teams sniffing around.

It’s easy to see why. Johnson, Finney-Smith, and Schroder all bring something different but valuable to the table. Johnson offers perimeter shooting and versatility, Finney-Smith is a defensive ace who doesn’t need the ball, and Schroder? He’s been thriving as a primary ball-handler, averaging 18.6 points and 6.5 assists on a modest $13 million salary.

For a Warriors team that’s always searching for ways to extend their title window, any of these guys would fit. Golden State has reportedly considered packaging De’Anthony Melton’s $12.8 million expiring contract with draft picks to facilitate a deal.

They’ve been scouring the market for reliable depth, and Brooklyn’s mix of talent aligns with their immediate goals.

The Nets, meanwhile, are playing chess, not checkers. They’re sitting on over $60 million in cap space for next summer and a war chest of 12 first-round picks. After moving Mikal Bridges to the Knicks last offseason, they’ve positioned themselves as a potential seller, but they’re doing it with intent.

This could go a lot of ways. Brooklyn doesn’t need to force a move unless the return sweetens their long-term outlook, while the Warriors are clearly feeling urgency as Stephen Curry’s prime continues to tick away.

Stay tuned, because if the Nets pull the trigger, it won’t just be about this season. They’re building for the future — and they’re doing it with options.

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