Cameron Johnson and the Sacramento Kings continue to be linked in trade discussions, but Brooklyn hasn’t been compelled to budge on expectations for a return just yet.
Johnson, a six-year NBA veteran, is currently having the best season of his career and remains under contract through 2026-27 with roughly $43 million owed beyond the 2024-25 campaign. It’s undoubtedly a coveted, team-friendly deal for a 28-year-old forward trending upward that could significantly impact a franchise hopelessly seeking a much-needed boost.
“Brooklyn and the Kings have had pretty extensive talks on that front,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick told Sactown Sports 1140 regarding a Johnson trade. “I think the Nets’ asking price is still too rich for the Kings’ blood, and as we get closer to the deadline maybe that changes, but he does appear to be somewhat of a priority for them. They’re hoping that Brooklyn changes its stance.”
Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson has emerged as a "somewhat of priority" for the Sacramento Kings, per @sam_amick
— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) January 2, 2025
"Brooklyn and the Kings have had pretty extensive talks on that front. I think the Nets' asking price is still too rich for the Kings' blood." pic.twitter.com/IBUEDc78Ax
Compromises could be made to Brooklyn’s ask of multiple first-round picks in exchange for Johnson, one of which might force the Kings to include 22-year-old former Providence guard and 2024 No. 13 overall pick Devin Carter, along with a first and various second-round picks. Kevin Huerter, who is set to receive $17.9 million in the final year of his contract next season, is often seen floated in trade scenarios for Johnson as well.
Notably, Sacramento assigned Carter to the G League affiliate Stockton Kings on Thursday, naturally leading to more trade speculation as rumors begin to boil.
Kings have assigned Devin Carter and Orlando Robinson to G League Stockton ahead of tonight’s game in the 209.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) January 2, 2025
HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto also recently stated the Kings have ‘consistently expressed interest’ in striking a deal for Johnson, noting that executives around the league are keeping an eye on Sacramento in anticipation of a potential panic trade. It's safe to say between firing Mike Brown, falling short with DeMar DeRozan thus far and now putting De’Aaron Fox’s future in question, things aren’t looking too good.
Scotto added that the Oklahoma City Thunder could be competitive with Sacramento in pursuit of Johnson, but the Nets would likely have to wait until Jan. 15 when Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins both become eligible to be traded. Kenrich Williams, Ousmane Dieng and Jaylin Williams were others players Scotto suggested could ultimately end up in a package if Johnson is dealt to the Thunder.
In his last outing Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks, a 113-110 upset win on the second leg of a road back-to-back, Johnson recorded 26 points and five rebounds on 62.5 percent shooting from the field while knocking down six of his 12 three-point attempts. The night prior in Toronto, he posted 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting for another team-high scoring performance.
It’s simply a matter of time before this surging Nets forward is back on the move.