Okay, let’s rip the Band-Aid off: Cam Johnson doesn’t belong in Brooklyn anymore. Not because he’s underperforming or lacks value, but because he no longer fits the Nets’ timeline.
Let’s be clear: Cam’s game speaks for itself. He just wrapped up a strong season, averaging nearly 19 points per game while shooting just under 40% from beyond the arc. He’s proven he knows how to play winning basketball, and any playoff-bound team would love to have him. But here’s the problem: The Nets aren’t contending anytime soon, and Johnson is already deep into his prime at 28.
For Brooklyn, holding onto Johnson is like putting premium gas in a lawn mower. Sure, it’ll run smoother, but... why bother? This is a team in the early stages of a full reset, not a team trying to sneak into the Play-In. Every minute Johnson spends on the floor is a minute that could be given to a younger player who needs development, even if it means taking some lumps along the way. Rebuilding isn’t about squeezing value out of veterans who are on a different timeline — it’s about committing to the future.
Brooklyn has the young talent, cap flexibility, and draft capital to take a long-term approach. Keeping Johnson around muddies that vision. He’s a proven product, but not a developmental piece. He belongs on a team looking to win now. So, who could benefit from him? Enter Oklahoma City.
OKC: The perfect trade partner
Oklahoma City’s front office has done what few others have: they’ve stockpiled young talent, draft picks, and cap flexibility, positioning themselves for long-term success. With a mountain of first-round picks, a growing roster of promising players, and a clear vision, the Thunder are primed to make their move toward serious contention.
When it comes to trade packages, OKC is sitting on a gold mine. Over the next few years, they’ve got multiple first-round picks, plus their own and from other teams. The Nets have long asked for multiple first-rounders in trades, and with the 2025 NBA Draft approaching (a draft that Brooklyn should use to fix a glaring weakness), the Thunder are in an ideal position to make a deal.
Why should the Thunder pull the trigger
Why would the Thunder want to trade for Cam Johnson? Simple: If they believe they’re just one piece away from competing in a deeper playoff run, especially if they come up short this season against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a player like Johnson could be the missing link. He can contribute right away, bolstering an offense that already has one of the brightest young stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
But here’s the real beauty of it: OKC can make this move without putting their long-term plans at risk. The Thunder are in a position to offer the Nets a package that accelerates their rebuild — whether that’s through future first-round picks or a young player who better aligns with Brooklyn’s timeline. It’s a win-win scenario: Brooklyn gets the assets they need to continue building for the future, while OKC strengthens its playoff push. Both teams at the end would walk away with something that propels them forward.