It was a blowout of epic proportions, and the Cavaliers were at the losing end. That was Thursday’s game at Oklahoma City.
But the Cavs were likely eyeing Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson before that.
Per Joe Vardon of The Athletic, the Cavs are among the teams expressing interest in Johnson, with the NBA trade deadline just a few weeks away.
“Executives from three franchises told The Athletic that Cleveland has expressed interest in acquiring 6-foot-8 forward Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets — one of the most coveted players league-wide in the trade market — with the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline fast approaching,” Vardon wrote.
Sources told Hoops Wire the Cavaliers have not yet talked to the Nets about a Johnson trade.
“League sources with knowledge of Cleveland’s internal discussions say Johnson has been discussed as a potential target and say the franchise has done its due diligence in inquiring about the availability of Johnson,” Vardon wrote. “Rival team officials, however, believe the Cavs’ interest to be more serious than that.”
As we relayed here, the Cavs (34-6) have been fielding offers, but have been making it clear they do not intend to make any sweeping changes. Did the brutal loss to the Thunder change all that? It doesn’t seem likely. But if they could land a player like Johnson without surrendering any of their Core Four (which they are unequivocally unwilling to do) … well, then it’s something that would need to be considered.
The rebuilding Nets are expected to move Johnson before the deadline. The question isn’t an “if” as much as it is a “where.”
“Johnson, 28, is averaging a career-high 19.6 points and shooting 43 percent from 3-point range,” Vardon wrote. “His combination of size, athleticism and shooting ability would seem to fit well in the Cavs’ otherwise potent offensive attack and mitigate some of the size disadvantages of starting two shorter (but All-Star caliber) guards in Darius Garland (6-2, 195 pounds) and Donovan Mitchell (6-3, 215).”
Vardon noted that Johnson is under contract for two more seasons and is owed $22,.5 million this year.
“Cleveland has no interest in trading any member of its core but could get to the money needed to match Johnson’s salary without disrupting its top eight players,” Vardon wrote. “The Cavs have a trove of second-round picks to offer but can’t trade a first-round pick until 2031.”
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I wouldn’t believe a word that Vardon writes. He is the mountain of misinformation dating back to when he worked for the PD. Take what he and Lloyd say with a grain of salt. 🏀😎