The Brooklyn Nets acquired forward Cameron Johnson from the Phoenix Suns in February of 2023. It was a four-team trade, which most notably saw Brooklyn ship superstar Kevin Durant to Phoenix.
While the Nets reached the postseason in 2023, they were swept in the opening round by the Philadelphia 76ers. Last season, Brooklyn went through an in-season coaching change. They finished 32-50, 11th in the Eastern Conference and short of being a Play-In Tournament team.
Even in what is seen as the weaker conference, few expect the Nets to contend for even a Play-In Tournament spot this season. Veteran players are expected to be shipped by the trade deadline. One of those veterans on Brooklyn, the 28-year-old Johnson, commented on the trade rumors.
Nets Sharpshooter Addresses Persistent Trade Rumors
Cameron Johnson Speaks With New York Post
The 6-foot-8 Johnson was a restricted free agent in the 2023 offseason, mere months after the Nets traded for him. Brooklyn ended up re-signing him to a four-year deal worth $94.5 million. He has three years left on that deal for approximately $69 million.
As one of those Brooklyn veterans that many expect to eventually be on the move, Johnson spoke with the New York Post on the incessant trade rumors.
“I’ve been able to feel comfortable in what’s going on. And even with the uncertainty, it’s not like an uncertainty where I don’t think that our staff here, our front office here, has a lack of trust in me. So I feel confident in this group. I feel confident going forward. And I’m going to compete for this team. And it’s not even on my mind, really. I mean, there’s tons and tons and tons of basketball to be played here.”
Johnson is entering his sixth season in the NBA. Last season, his first full one with the Nets, he posted averages of 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Johnson shot 44.6% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc, and 78.9% from the charity stripe.
The field goal and three-point accuracy from last season are eerily similar to his career marks. Johnson is at 44.7% and 39.2% respectively over his first five NBA seasons.
Nets Could Trade Numerous Other Players As Well
Cameron Johnson certainly isn’t the only Nets player that many expect to be traded by the 2025 trade deadline. Anyone who doesn’t fit their timeline of being a potential piece on their next contending team could be on the move.
31-year-old Dorian Finney-Smith started 56 games for the Nets last season. He was rumored to be a candidate to be traded at last season’s deadline, but Brooklyn ultimately held onto him.
Dennis Schroder is also 31 years old. The guard was acquired by the Nets last February in a deal that involved trading away Spencer Dinwiddie. Schroder averaged 14.6 points and 6.0 assists in his 29 games with Brooklyn.
Bojan Bogdanovic, while injured now, could also be traded. If Ben Simmons showcases any ability to stay on the court, maybe the Nets could find a taker for him. While Brooklyn isn’t expected to be a postseason factor, they could play a large role in helping other teams.
