This version of the Brooklyn Nets could still carry a hefty price tag.
“[Cameron Johnson‘s] tight relationship with [Mikal] Bridges, positional value and status as part of the Durant deal make him hard to let escape,” writes Brian Lewis of the New York Post
“A 6-foot-8 wing who can shoot 40% from deep with solid defense will command top dollar. Sources say his floor is $18 million annually, and could easily top $20 million. And with a new leaguewide TV deal kicking in after 2024-25, it’ll make the end of Johnson’s contract a smaller cut of whatever the salary cap becomes.”
The Nets have been an intriguing team going 5-7 since the trade deadline on February 10. But four of those wins have come in the last five games including three straight victories and taking two games from playoff teams in the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Johnson has averaged 17 points per game on 57.8% true shooting with 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in 11 games as a Net.
Over last six games (3-3) Nets picking up offensive pace spurred by three of their new players:
–Mikal Bridges: 29.5 ppg
–Spencer Dinwiddie 21.0 ppg
–Cam Johnson 17.5 ppg
It’s taken some time but things seem to be working.
— NetsDaily ()
The 27-year-old forward is set to hit restricted free agency.
That is usually a wasteland for players but Johnson’s ability figures to warrant significant interest if the Nets aren’t first to the table with an offer that meets his expectations. Since Johnson has already rejected an offer of $72 million over four years, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype – which breaks down to $18 million per year, the floor which Lewis figured – they will likely have to come closer to surpassing that $20 million-per-year mark and might not have much of a choice.
In addition to Bridges and Johnson’s personal relationship — they have been referred to as “the twins” since their Suns days — the Nets are naturally better with both players on the floor.
Brooklyn sports a plus-1.5 net rating when both Bridges — who is signed through 2026 — are on the floor, per Cleaning The Glass, ranking in the 62nd percentile; a sample size of 533 qualifying possessions. That rating plummets …read more
Source:: Heavy.com