One NBA writer is proposing that the Houston Rockets acquire forward Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets this summer.
Kelly Iko of The Athletic proposed that the Rockets send K.J. Martin, Jae’Sean Tate, the fourth pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and two future picks to the Nets for Johnson. Houston would be adding a two-way wing that it has coveted, while Brooklyn would better position itself for a rebuild by gaining back some of its own future draft assets.
“I could have easily swapped another one of Houstons’s future first-round picks for the option of giving Brooklyn one of theirs back, so, before you go running to the comment section, please don’t haggle on that,” Iko wrote. “I know teams don’t typically send back picks in trades like that. The point is to get a conversation going and enticing Brooklyn back with their lost draft capital is a great way to do so.
“In essence, the Rockets get their hands on Johnson, a versatile two-way wing they’ve coveted for a while. There would need to be some creativity applied here, since both Johnson and the outgoing Martin could be restricted free agents, but this is a hand-in-glove fit. Johnson would slot in alongside Jabari Smith Jr. in the frontcourt and give Houston a much-needed shooting lift. Again, there would have to be some serious cap considerations because Johnson is slated for a big payday, but he’s the type of veteran help the Rockets consider worth it. Is he three-firsts worth it? Maybe, maybe not.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets & Houston Rockets Updates
Johnson averaged 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Phoenix Suns and Nets this season while shooting 47.0% from the field, 40.4% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line. The Nets acquired Johnson from the Suns in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade.
Johnson becomes a restricted free agent this summer. As a restricted free agent, Johnson can either re-sign with the Nets or sign an offer sheet with another team. The Nets can match any offer sheet Johnson signs as long as it comes within 48 hours.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets & Houston Rockets Updates
Johnson has career averages of 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of UNC.
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