Nets Reportedly Seeking Multiple First-Round Picks For Cam Johnson

January 19, 2025

The Brooklyn Nets’ asking price for forward Cam Johnson seems to be coming into focus, with the NBA trade deadline about three weeks away.

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Nets are seeking at least two first-round picks in exchange for Johnson.

That said, they are also open to receiving young talent still on team-controlled contracts as an alternative — which further highlights their desire to secure long-term assets rather than a rental player.

The Nets’ firm stance on Johnson stems from their belief that they aren’t under any immediate pressure to trade him. With two full seasons remaining on his current contract, Johnson remains an important piece for Brooklyn’s future plans—especially when compared to other trade candidates like Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, both of whom could be free agents this summer.

“Enjoying a mid-career breakthrough, Johnson is averaging 19.6 points on 49.6/42.8/89.7 shooting splits, approaching the 50/40/90 benchmark reached by just nine players in NBA history,” Lewis wrote. “He’s the most coveted player on the trade market right now, quite possibly the only difference-maker available to a contender.”

Several teams have been linked to Johnson in recent weeks, including the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the Nets’ hefty price tag may cause some of these suitors to hesitate, as they weigh the value of long-term assets against a player who could very well remain in Brooklyn for the foreseeable future.