In a string of developments over the last 24 hours, the Brooklyn Nets announce four players will remain sidelined due to injuries, including both the franchise’s latest addition and its most valuable trade asset.
Maxwell Lewis, acquired in the Dorian Finney-Smith trade with Los Angeles, has been diagnosed with left tibia fracture. Lewis suffered the injury on Jan. 1 in Toronto just moments after sinking a three in his first minute of play with Brooklyn. Status updates will be provided again in four weeks, the Nets revealed Friday evening.
“Obviously, I know (Max) well,” Brooklyn guard D’Angelo Russell said. “It’s pretty unfortunate. Obviously, that’s what comes with the game, playing hard. Being out there, guys, their bodies are flying. So, prayers up to him and best wishes, man. It’s sad to see, honestly. ”
Saturday afternoon brought more Nets injury news, as Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas have both been placed on updated timetables.
Thomas, who sustained a left hamstring strain on Jan. 2 in Milwaukee, is now set to be reevaluated following Brooklyn’s upcoming West Coast road trip. That stretch runs through Jan. 19 and features the Nuggets, Jazz, Trail Blazers, Clippers, Lakers and Thunder.
The Nets also anticipate that Johnson, who suffered a right ankle sprain against the Bucks, will miss the next three home games – 76ers, Pacers and Pistons – before then determining his status for the road.
Johnson, generating significant buzz around the league as trade discussions intensify, could soon be on the move again.
The 28-year-old forward currently posting 19.5 points per game on a career-best 49.6 percent shooting from the field has primarily been linked to two teams thus far – the Sacramento Kings and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Various other suitors have shown interest in Johnson, but Brooklyn’s desire to obtain two first-round picks in exchange for its veteran has not yet changed.
Brooklyn Nets Injury Updates:
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 4, 2025
Cam Johnson sustained a right ankle sprain in the Jan. 2 game at Milwaukee. He is expected to miss the next three games and will be reevaluated prior to the team’s upcoming West Coast road trip.
Cam Thomas sustained a new left hamstring strain…
More promising news: Trendon Watford has resumed on-court workouts, recovering from a left hamstring strain of his own; however, the Nets say it will be another week before his status changes. In his second season with the Nets, Watford is averaging 8.3 points and 2.8 rebounds through 13 games played.
Reactions to this news mostly involve either tanking allegations or Johnson trade speculation among Nets World, then of course the crowd simply pleased to see Russell become the positive light through it all. Frankly, none of which are baseless. General manager Sean Marks and the Nets front office have every incentive right now to improve their draft stock and look to sell a highly sought-after veteran forward at a premium given the current trade market.
Until the deadline passes, every Nets injury report will continue to spark more rumors.