Over the past few days, the Memphis Grizzlies reportedly pursued a trade for Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith. However, on Sunday, the Nets shipped Finney-Smith out to the Los Angeles Lakers for D’Angelo Russell. Following their failed pursuit, the Grizzlies could pivot and aim for another trade target. According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), this is a legitimate possibility for the Grizzlies, who could target another Nets forward—Cameron Johnson.
“It will surprise no one around the league if Memphis, after such extensive talks with Brooklyn on Finney-Smith, pivots to a Johnson pursuit,” Stein wrote.
NBA Insider Names New Potential Memphis Grizzlies Trade Target
What Cameron Johnson Would Bring to Memphis
Johnson is one of the best available players in the trade market. Given that Brooklyn has already moved on from Finney-Smith and Dennis Schröder, we know they are active this season. Johnson is a talented player, but he is 28 years old and does not completely fit the Nets’ timeline. He does, however, fit Memphis’ timeline as a team looking to contend for a championship now and in the future.
The Pennsylvania native is 6’8″ and can play both forward positions. He is in the midst of his sixth season in the league but is having a career year. Through 30 games, Johnson is averaging 19.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 48.8% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. Johnson also provides solid defense.
Unfortunately for Memphis, trading for Johnson will not be cheap. According to Stein, the Nets are “seeking multiple first-round picks” in exchange for Johnson. Stein also acknowledges this may be a bit too steep of an asking price, however.
“The Nets are now said to be seeking multiple first-round picks from teams interested in trading for sharpshooter Cam Johnson. Can they really expect to get more than one first-rounder for Johnson after the deals just witnessed for Schröder and Finney-Smith?”
The Last Word
The Grizzlies are looking like a legitimate contender out West. Approaching 2025, the Grizzlies currently own a 22-11 record and own the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Additionally, they rank as the sixth-best offensive team and the fourth-best defensive team in the NBA. They are the highest-scoring team in the league and have a +8.7 net rating (the fourth-best in the NBA) as well.
Last season, Memphis’ season was derailed by numerous brutal injuries. This year, while they are still dealing with a lot of injuries, they have reminded everybody how good they can be. In 2022 and 2023, the Grizzlies finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Since then, the team has gotten better and should remain comfortably in the title picture this season.
Memphis does not need to make a trade. They have an extremely talented roster and have proven to be a top team in the league. However, the West is competitive, and it will be difficult for the Grizzlies to defeat a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder in a playoff series. Until the trade deadline passes in February, the Grizzlies will be a team to monitor.
