Nets Rumors: Johnson, Schröder, Finney-Smith, Sharpe, Bogdanovic

The Nets have been surprisingly competitive through the first quarter of the season, but they have a chance to be one of the NBA’s most active teams heading into the trade deadline, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Nearly the entire roster could be considered expendable as Brooklyn starts building for the future, and Cameron Johnson might bring the greatest return.

The 28-year-old power forward is in the midst of his best offensive season, averaging a career-high 18.1 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and 42.2% from three-point range. His increased production has helped to fill the void that was created when Mikal Bridges was traded to New York over the summer.

League executives tell Scotto that the Nets might be able to get a first-round pick if they part with Johnson before the February 6 trade deadline. He has two more full seasons left on his contract, which pays him $23.6MM this year before declining to $21.6MM next season and returning to $23.6MM for 2026/27. Johnson is aware of the trade rumors, but he tells Scotto that his preference is to remain in Brooklyn.

“I want to build this,” he said. “I really like coach Jordi (Fernandez). I like our staff. I think we’re headed in the right direction. I can’t tell them exactly what to do and how to proceed. The business will do what the business does. I don’t take it personally either way. For me, I’m invested in what we have. It’s been exciting to find progress and to see the potential. I want to be here and get this thing really turned around and back to winning basketball. I think we have the group to do it, and I think we have the assets and pieces to do it. Whatever they decide, no hard feelings.”

There’s more from Brooklyn:

• NBA executives tell Scotto that point guard Dennis Schröder, who has a $13MM expiring contract, is also considered one of the Nets’ top trade assets. He continues to produce at a high level at age 31, averaging 18.7 points and 6.4 assists per night while shooting a career-best 40.5% from three-point range. Schröder has become a strong voice in the locker room as well as the team’s on-court leader. The executives Scotto spoke with believe Brooklyn can get multiple second-round picks from a contender that wants to acquire Schröder as a “rental” for the rest of the season.
• Scotto hears that several playoff-caliber teams have already contacted the Nets about Dorian Finney-Smith. The 31-year-old forward is shooting 42.2% from beyond the arc and he brings a wealth of playoff experience. Finney-Smith holds a $15.38MM player option for 2025/26, so any team that acquires him should be considering a relationship that lasts beyond the end of this season.
• Rival teams are also watching Day’Ron Sharpe as a potential backup center, Scotto adds. Sharpe is expected to return soon from a hamstring injury, and he’ll get an opportunity to play while Noah Clowney is sidelined with a sprained ankle. Sources tell Scotto that the Grizzlies, Clippers, Pelicans, Lakers and Raptors all have interest in Sharpe.
• The Nets are expected to showcase Bojan Bogdanovic for potential suitors when he returns from offseason foot surgery later this month. Scotto hears that the team might be able to get a second-round pick in return if Bogdanovic can stay on the court.