Cameron Johnson is rising on the Detroit Pistons’ list of free agent targets, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. The Brooklyn Nets forward becomes a restricted free agent this offseason and the Pistons’ new head coach, Monty Williams, coached Johnson on the Phoenix Suns.
“League sources say Cam Johnson is prominent (and rising) on Detroit’s list of free agent targets,” Stein wrote. “Brooklyn’s restricted free agent swingman naturally has a huge new fan in Motown after the Pistons’ hiring of Monty Williams as coach — Johnson’s former coach in Phoenix.”
As a restricted free agent, Johnson can either re-sign with the Nets or sign an offer sheet with a rival team. Brooklyn can match any offer sheet Johnson signs as long as it comes within 48 hours and Stein is reporting that the Nets are expected to re-sign the UNC product.
“The Nets, though, are quietly expressing confidence that they have all but convinced Johnson to re-sign … or that they will match any external offer they need to match to keep him,” Stein wrote. “Stay tuned to see if that leads to a salary-dumping move or two from Brooklyn to create additional payroll flexibility. Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired from Dallas in February in the Kyrie Irving trade, remains a prime trade candidate.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets & Detroit Pistons Updates
The Nets acquired Johnson from the Suns in the Kevin Durant trade. The 27-year-old averaged 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games with Brooklyn while shooting 46.8% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc and 85.1% from the free-throw line.
Brooklyn got swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Johnson told reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference that he would like to re-sign with the Nets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets & Detroit Pistons Updates
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report thinks the Nets can’t afford to lose Johnson.
“That’s all to say Johnson will be arguably the most highly sought-after player in the non-superstar category,” Hughes wrote. “He fits everywhere, contributes on both ends and makes sense among title-chasers and rebuilders alike. The Nets can’t let a robust market scare them. When free agency opens, Brooklyn must be prepared to make Johnson a $100-million man. That’s pricey, but the cost of letting such a talented piece get away would be far higher.”
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