Matt Johnson
When the Brooklyn Nets discussed trading Kevin Durant with the Phoenix Suns, Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges were required for a deal to happen. Johnson and Bridges both blossomed in Brooklyn and now it’s willing to do everything in its power to keep the teammates together.
Johnson, a restricted free agent, is one of the most coveted young wings available in free agency. While the 6-foot-8 forward is willing to test the open market, the Nets are reportedly prepared to make him a sizable offer to remain with teamed up with Bridges for years to come.
- Cameron Johnson stats (Brooklyn Nets): 16.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, .131 WS/48
Related: Top NBA free agents 2023
According to Ian Begley of SportsNet New York, Brooklyn is more than willing to offer Johnson a deal worth $84 million over four years. If other teams make significant offers to the restricted free agent, the Nets are comfortable matching.
Brooklyn will face significant competition for Johnson’s services. Both the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets are expected to make Johnson one of their top offseason targets this summer.
Johnson blossomed with his expanded role in Brooklyn. Playing a career-high 30.8 minutes per contest, he set personal bests in scoring (16.6 PPG), rebounding (4.8 RPG), playmaking (2.1 APG) and averaged 1.4 steals per contest.
For context, Johnson’s .131 Win Shares per 48 minutes in 25 games with the Nets was higher than those produced by Paul George (.114), Zach LaVine (.123) and Brandon Ingram (.108) in a full season. While the Nets aren’t necessarily expecting him to replicate that efficiency, anything close to it would make a $21 million average annual salary a bargain.
Related: Detroit Pistons going to pursue Cameron Johnson
Brooklyn will need to get involved in a bidding war for the 27-year-old wing, but it holds the advantage because it can match any offer. Thanks to that, Johnson should be spending several more years with the Nets.
