Different teams across the NBA are inquiring about Cameron Johnson daily.
ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel wrote Monday that league sources claim the Pacers are now a ‘serious trade suitor’ for Brooklyn’s most appealing available asset. NBA correspondent Marc Stein also previously reported that Indiana might go after the 28-year-old Nets veteran.
Johnson, in his sixth NBA season and third with the Nets, is averaging a career-high 19.5 points on 49.6 percent shooting from the field and 43.6 percent behind the arc. Indiana joins Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Memphis and various others in this same pursuit ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Meanwhile, Johnson (right ankle sprain) remains temporarily sidelined and is set to be reevaluated prior to the team’s upcoming road trip.
Sources: The Warriors are keeping an eye on Cam Johnson trade talks between the Pacers and Nets due to Aaron Nesmith's possible involvement.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) January 6, 2025
New on @ClutchPoints regarding the latest Warriors' trade target. https://t.co/tGef5X2wqa
Siegel points to whispers involving a trade scenario in which the Pacers part ways with Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith and at least one unprotected first-round pick; however, nothing indicates Indiana is close to securing a deal. The article does note 2023 No. 8 overall pick Jarace Walker as a player sources believe the Nets are high on, but his availability in trade talks remains unknown.
The biggest issue? Brooklyn doesn’t want any incoming salary. Both Toppin and Nesmith have multiple years remaining on their contracts, meaning a third team would likely have to be involved to convince the Nets.
Siegel suggests the Golden State Warriors might join discussions due to a growing interest in Nesmith.
Brooklyn has already done business with the Warriors once this season, sending Dennis Schroder to the Bay Area for De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman and three second-round picks. Before that, Golden State reached out regarding Johnson as well.
“Leading up to the trade deadline, Golden State is prioritizing secondary talents who can help build a bridge between head coach Steve Kerr's first and second units,” Siegel wrote. “Given his team-friendly contract and his ability to be a catch-and-shoot threat on the wing, Nesmith is a player who can bring a lot to the table for Golden State.”
Aaron Nesmith reppin' the @IndianaFever 🤝 pic.twitter.com/xFUJ1FtwwG
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 4, 2025
Warriors guard Gary Payton II would likely be available in the final year of his contract, giving Brooklyn an option to free more cap space or retain a lockdown role player for next season. Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe, who outrebounded Indiana’s entire rotation on the offensive boards Friday, could also be intriguing to Golden State in this spot.
General manager Sean Marks seems more concerned with returning draft capital than anything else, obviously outside of making room for a star (or multiple) this summer. Whichever team can facilitate multiple first-round picks paired with expiring contracts in exchange for Johnson will likely get Brooklyn to bite.
This franchise views Johnson as a piece that could serve as a valuable complement to a future star acquisition. Keep in mind that the Nets still have all the power.