Brian Lewis of the New York Post recently reported that the Brooklyn Nets could be looking to move Cam Johnson if it results in another lottery pick (subscription required). “There is a sentiment around the league the Nets could look to land a second lottery pick by consolidating and packaging some combination of Johnson, those picks at the end of the first round and/or future draft capital,” Lewis wrote.
The Trail Blazers and other lottery teams looking to compete for a playoff spot next season, including the Rockets and Spurs, make sense as landing spots for the sharpshooting wing. These teams could land Johnson and move back in the draft, as Brooklyn has the No. 8, 19, 26, 27, and 36 overall picks after successfully navigating their roster teardown.
The Nets are still in the early stages of their rebuild and would be wise to move their veterans for better draft capital (something the Trail Blazers could learn from), potentially pairing a duo like Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen as building blocks for their young core.
Should the Trail Blazers go down this path?
Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on efficient 48/40/89 shooting splits. He isn't the missing star that Portland still needs, but he is an ideal third or fourth option that could help any team take that next step, whether it's making the playoffs for the Trail Blazers or turning the Rockets or Spurs into legitimate contenders.
But Johnson is 29 and aligns better with a contender's timeline, making the Trail Blazers more of a dark horse and raising legitimate questions about whether they should even pursue this route.
The Trail Blazers could find a star through the draft, or they could find it in a blockbuster trade involving that pick, but going down the Johnson route guarantees neither outcome. Trading for him when you're not equipped for a deep playoff run is the type of move that could result in purgatory.
Portland would be more likely to find star power in the draft than trading for Johnson, who is already at his ceiling. If they did want to trade that pick for a player, they'd likely be better off making a more aggresive move for a bona fide (and ideally younger) star, including it as part of a package that involves the Bucks' picks as well.
In a vacuum, we'd prefer Portland not to get involved in this latest development. But it also depends on the details of the deal. If the Nets are open to taking on Jerami Grant's contract while also offering multiple late first-round picks, that would be a trade at least worth listening to.