NBA Trade Rumors: Nets, Cam Johnson, Cavs, Thunder

The Brooklyn Nets continue to explore trade options for forward Cam Johnson, but their approach has shifted as the front office remains determined to extract significant value for the 28-year-old, per NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.Cameron Johnson, NBA, Warriors, Raptors, Nets, Bruce Brown

Johnson, who has two seasons remaining on his four-year, $94 million deal, has garnered interest from multiple teams, but Brooklyn’s high asking price has made a deal difficult to finalize.

  • Nets’ Asking Price: Per Fischer, the Nets are seeking as many as two first-round picks, along with a young player, in return for Johnson. This hefty demand reflects the fact that Johnson still has two years left on his contract, including a descending salary that will be $20.5 million in 2025-26.
  • Cavs’ Interest Preliminary: The Cavaliers have reportedly called on Johnson, but Fischer’s sources indicate that their interest is still in the early stages. While Cleveland has made inquiries, they have yet to seriously engage in trade talks. The Cavs’ lack of a first-round pick available until 2031 undoubtedly makes it difficult to meet Brooklyn’s demands for a deal.
  • Cavs’ Potential Move: If the Cavs make a move ahead of the trade deadline, it’s expected to be more about shedding salary to avoid hitting the luxury tax. Cleveland’s roster is on the brink of hitting repeater tax territory in the coming seasons, and reducing payroll seems like a more realistic avenue for the team to pursue.
  • Thunder Not Likely to Pursue Johnson: Oklahoma City’s rumored interest in Johnson, which gained traction at last month’s G League Showcase, has not been substantiated by Fischer’s sources. Despite previous speculation about Johnson potentially joining the Thunder, Fischer reports that Oklahoma City is not actively pursuing a deal.
  • OKC Plans: The Thunder are focused on their current success, with Chet Holmgren’s reintegration into the lineup looming after he recovers from a fractured pelvis. Adding a significant trade piece like Johnson would only complicate the adjustment period, especially after the team’s successful offseason acquisitions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, Fischer noted.

As the NBA trade deadline nears, Brooklyn’s stance on Johnson remains firm, with the team setting a high bar for potential suitors.

While the Cavaliers and Thunder have been mentioned as possible destinations, neither team appears ready to meet the Nets’ asking price. For now, Johnson remains a Net, with his future still very much up in the air.

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