Mikal Bridges wants Cameron Johnson to stay with the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson becomes a restricted NBA free agent on June 30.
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.
The Nets acquired Johnson and Bridges from the Phoneix Suns in the Kevin Durant trade. The 27-year-old Johnson 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Detroit Pistons — who are now coached by Johnson’s former coach, Monty Williams — are expected to pursue Johnson, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. However, the Nets are anticipated to keep the UNC product, who is close friends with Bridges.
“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, Mikal Bridges & Brooklyn Nets Updates
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. Given he was a key part of the trade to move Durant, it’s hard to see it being anything less than a must for Brooklyn to get done.
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