The Kings are considered to be among the top suitors for Nets forward Cameron Johnson, but the teams haven’t engaged in trade talks for several weeks, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack column (subscription required).
A source tells Stein that Sacramento officials currently don’t see a way to complete a deal for Johnson before the February 6 trade deadline. The Kings are pursuing deals with other teams instead of focusing on Johnson, Stein adds.
A weekend report from Jake Fischer at the Stein Line confirmed that the Nets haven’t lowered their price for Johnson, as they continue to ask for two first-round picks and a young player. Earlier this month, Stein stated that Sacramento wasn’t willing to part with rookie guard Devin Carter, and it appears that stance hasn’t changed.
Fischer added that the Cavaliers have called about Johnson, but their interest seems to just be exploratory. He points out that Cleveland doesn’t have a first-round pick that it can trade until 2031, so it’s nearly impossible to meet Brooklyn’s demands.
Stein brings up the Pacers as another team to watch in the Johnson pursuit. However, Indiana has risen to fifth in the East after a recent hot streak, and Stein questions whether the front office would want to break up the current roster in light of its success.
It’s possible that the Nets will hang on to Johnson past the trade deadline and see if better offers arise this summer. He’s in the midst of a career-best season, averaging 19.4 points per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc.
Trade value discussion
IMO
One of those Suns first round picks is enough to acquire Cam Johnson
Expiring contracts + 1 First = Johnson
Nets said they want 2 1st rounder in a previous post.
Warriors make something happen!!!!
Why?
The Kings don’t need this scrub with a horrible contract
Johnson is a player Nets want to move. Another 1st rd pick this yr. Could make this an exceptional draft for them. Rumors are they want two 1st rd picks.
Kings and Cavs have mostly been linked to Cam.
C Johnson is a solid 2Way player. He’s 29 so is at his peak. Has good size and IQ. Is signed for a few yrs.
If I’m Denver ……. I rather have CJ than Porter.
If I’m Bucks ….. I rather have CJ than Middleton.
He’s a big time third wing imo. Is capable of 30. He plays and plays to win. I’m confident some team will trade for him …….. Feb 6.
Al, you know you’re stuff, but “big time”? Johnson’s had a mediocre career up until this season.
You mention that Cam is 29 yrs old. But he’s never come close to playing a full season (averages only 54 games), has a career average of only 12.8 ppg, and a previous career-high of 16 ppg. He’s playing on a tanking team this year
You mention scoring 30 ppg. Johnson has done that only 6 times in his career. Michael Porter Jr, at 27, has done it 15 times in 2 fewer seasons. Andrew Wiggins, same age as Cam, has done it 47 times. Jonathan Kuminga at 22 has already done it 5 times.
Nice, solid player, but “big time”? Two 1st rounders feels like one too much.
Zach Collins, Branham, Mamu & SAS’s 2025 1st to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson & Day’Ron Sharpe should work for both teams but I gotta be honest I probably wouldn’t give up a 1st for Cam Johnson
I think BKN will end up holding CJ through the deadline. I think their asking price is designed as a placeholder, which they don’t necessarily expect to be met at the deadline. But there is no reason for BKN to move him if they don’t get something around there. CJ’s trade value is far more likely to increase (than decrease) through the end of the year (since his rise in numbers track the rise in his usage, which is unlikely to change in the second half). They already have 4 FRPs in the 2025 draft, including picks currently at #23, #25 and #27 (along with #36 in the 2nd round). His contract is more friendly next season as well.
Kings love being mid…