As the Brooklyn Nets chart their course for a crucial offseason, forward Cam Johnson has drawn significant trade interest, but the team isn’t budging on its valuation. According to multiple reports, Brooklyn has placed a steep price on the 29-year-old. Johnson’s efficient shooting, defensive flexibility, and favorable contract terms have made him a sought-after asset leaguewide.
Nets Seek Significant Haul for Cam Johnson Amid Offseason Moves, Holding Out for Major Return
The Brooklyn Nets are actively exploring options to reshape their roster this summer, with forward Cam Johnson emerging as a prime candidate in trade discussions. On Wednesday, NetsDaily reported via X that Brooklyn is considering packaging Johnson and the No. 19 pick to move into the top 10 of the 2025 NBA Draft.
“Hearing Nets may want to move up from [pick] 19 to the lottery, offering [Cam Johnson] and #19 to Raptors or Rockets for either Raps 9th or Rockets 10th plus a bad contract,” NetsDaily posted. “That would give Nets two picks in top 10 (presupposing neither team would need picks for Giannis trade.)”
Hearing Nets may want to move up from #19 to the lottery, offering CamJ and #19 to Raptors or Rockets for either Raps 9th or Rockets 10th plus a bad contract. That would give Nets two picks in top 10 (presupposing neither team would need picks for Giannis trade.)
— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) June 4, 2025
The move would mark a significant pivot for Brooklyn, leaning into a youth-focused rebuild. The Nets haven’t owned a lottery pick since 2010, when they selected Derrick Favors third overall. Should a deal be reached, they could enter next season with a pair of top-10 selections, a cleaner salary sheet, and a deeper prospect pool.
Johnson, 29, is under contract through 2026–27 and will earn $20.5 million next season. He averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists over 57 games in 2024–25, shooting 48% from the field, 39% from deep, and 89% from the line. Only Desmond Bane matched that production and efficiency league-wide.
Toronto and Houston—owners of the No. 9 and No. 10 picks, respectively—have been floated as possible trade partners. While both are interested in pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo, such a chase would require them to preserve draft assets.
If those efforts stall, acquiring a veteran like Johnson could align with their respective timelines, especially for the Rockets after a strong playoff showing.
In a potential Raptors framework, Brooklyn could receive RJ Barrett and the No. 9 pick in return for Johnson and draft capital. Such a deal would save Toronto roughly $7 million in cap space and increase flexibility beneath the tax threshold. Johnson’s shooting and off-ball utility would complement Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram in Toronto’s rotation.
Brooklyn previously resisted dealing Johnson at the trade deadline and during GM Sean Marks’ exit interview. However, with his value peaking after a career year, league insiders believe now may be the ideal time to strike.
