Because the Brooklyn Nets want multiple first-round picks for Cam Johnson, he might not be traded before the Feb. 6 deadline. However, with several teams motivated to make a move for him, he’s among the players with the greatest chance of wearing a different jersey before the All-Star Break.
With that in mind, there’s now a new contender for his services. According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, “there were rumblings from NBA executives that the Oklahoma City Thunder had interest in pursuing Johnson on the trade market” during the G League Showcase.
Scotto adds that should the Thunder pursue Johnson, to “keep an eye on January 15 when Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe are each eligible to be traded.”
Can Thunder Trade Candidate Cam Johnson Take Pressure Off Their Stars?
Because the Thunder are first in the Western Conference at 26-5, it may seem like they lack flaws.
Mark Daigneault, the reigning Coach of the Year, has done a fine job of getting the most out of his players. This is where his background in player development has really shined as 2018 No. 11 pick Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a perennial MVP candidate. Additionally, 2022 No. 12 pick Jalen Williams has displayed All-Star potential. Nonetheless, there’s more to the Thunder being 18-3 since Chet Holmgren‘s hip injury than their blooming stars.
Of course, the stellar play of summertime signing Isaiah Hartenstein has definitely made a difference. However, Daigneault has found success playing a number of players at center in Holmgren’s absence, including Williams, who is 6-foot-6. 6-foot-7 forward Kenrich Williams, a 30-year-old who went undrafted out of TCU, has also done well as a small-ball center. 2021 No. 55 pick Aaron Wiggins has had big time moments for the Thunder. 2024 No. 38 pick Ajay Mitchell has been a revelation.
Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that Oklahoma City is heavily reliant on Gilgeous-Alexander and J. Williams. They can obviously handle that pressure but it would be nice if they had a release valve. If there’s a way to make the duo’s lives easier without taking the ball out of their hands too much, trading for a player like Johnson could be the answer.
Remember Last Year?
There’s a certain aspect of this hypothetical that inspires images of last season’s trade for Gordon Hayward.
Both parties walked away disappointed with how the partnership worked out. Hayward wanted a larger role. Thunder general manager Sam Presti didn’t want to disrupt the development of their young players. If OKC trades for Johnson during what’s been a career season, they could run into the same problems of expectations not matching the reality. On the surface, he seems like he would be amiable to a more passive role. Nonetheless, sometimes a player’s character doesn’t reveal itself until it’s too late.
That being said, if Johnson is placed in a sixth man-like role, it could work out quite well for everyone.
He’d be empowered to score. He fits alongside any combination of players. Honestly, it’s hard to come up with any negatives in this scenario.
