The Memphis Grizzlies are in search of speedy profitable additions amid a sizzling begin to the season. Brooklyn Nets ahead Cam Johnson was reportedly thought of a commerce candidate for the Grizzlies forward of the February 6 commerce deadline. Nonetheless, a journalist near Memphis tempered hypothesis on a possible settlement.
“From what I’ve learn, it is extra about trade noise than the rest. As of now, there’s nothing substantial between Memphis and Brooklyn concerning a Cam Johnson deal,” Damichael Cole of the Business Attraction wrote in response to a submit linking Johnson to Memphis.
League executives count on Johnson to be among the many most sought-after gamers within the NBA earlier than the commerce deadline. The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter has been among the best wings within the league this season, averaging 19.5 factors per recreation on 50/44/90 capturing.
Johnson ranks fourth within the NBA in three-point share amongst 60 gamers trying a minimum of six per recreation, behind Zach LaVine, Kyrie Irving and Norman Powell. The Nets ahead has been linked to the Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and Golden State Warriors, amongst different groups.
Grizzlies amongst groups linked to Cam Johnson commerce forward of deadline
Brooklyn centered on draft positioning within the first yr of a rebuild, buying and selling away veterans Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith final month. Johnson is the Nets’ subsequent logical commerce candidate. The 28-year-old is anticipated to generate by far essentially the most important return of the three.
Associated Memphis Grizzlies InformationArticle continues beneath
The Nets are searching for a number of first-round picks for Johnson, league sources instructed ClutchPoints. Nonetheless, with two years remaining on his contract after this season at $21.5 million per yr, they don’t seem to be obligated to commerce him within the midst of his career-best yr.
The Grizzlies are underneath stress to make a leap to the playoffs in yr six of the Ja Morant period. Up to now, they’ve gave the impression to be contenders, posting the NBA’s sixth-best document (25-14) and fourth-best internet score (7.1). An addition of Johnson would bolster Memphis’ fifth-ranked offense alongside Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
Nonetheless, Memphis and Brooklyn just lately hit a roadblock in commerce talks for Finney-Smith. The Grizzlies reportedly provided a bundle that included Luke Kennard, John Konchar and a 2025 first-round choose for the veteran winger, however insisted on top-17 safety. In addition they requested the Nets’ 2025 second-round choose as a part of the deal.
Brooklyn accepted the Los Angeles Lakers’ provide of D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks. THE failure of negotiations led to “exhausting emotions emanating” between the Nets and Grizzlies, in response to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
It stays to be seen whether or not Memphis and Brooklyn will return to the negotiating desk throughout this commerce cycle. League sources instructed ClutchPoints that the Nets are aiming to keep away from recouping important long-term salaries in trades.
The Grizzlies may use Kennard’s expiring $9.2 million contract to match his wage in a deal. They’ve three intriguing younger wings, Santi Aldama, Jake LaRavia and Vince Williams Jr., in addition to management of their first-round picks by 2031 to place collectively a bundle.
