In the wake of their struggles and inconsistencies, the Sacramento Kings are in the hunt to pursue a highly significant move to improve their competitive stance.
As such, Sam Amick of The Athletic has reported that the Kings are engaged with the Brooklyn Nets on an “extensive talks” for Cam Johnson.
And although the price tag for the marquee wingman stands costly, Sacramento remains enamored of the possibility to acquire Johnson.
“There is an acknowledgement that they need to get better,” Amick said in a recent appearance on Sactown Sports. “Brooklyn and the Kings have had pretty extensive talks on that front. I think the Nets’ asking price is still too rich for the Kings’ blood, and maybe as we get closer to the deadline, that changes.
“But he does appear to be somewhat of a priority for them. They’re hoping Brooklyn changes its stance.”
Johnson currently holds a huge reputation as one of the league’s top trade candidates this season.
Following the Nets’ recent transactions made for both Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, it is highly expected that Johnson is the next man out considering the team’s rebuilding situation.
A major part of the Nets’ huge asking price for the 28-year-old is his ongoing season. Entering Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Johnson is savoring the best season of his career statistically. Across 31 games, he is averaging career highs in points (19.3), assists (3.1), and field goal shooting (49.1%) while grabbing 4.2 boards and draining 43.2 percent of his shots from downtown.
With his ability to shoot and defend multiple positions at his size, Johnson’s name has been thrown around the league, and the interest for his service is certainly in high demand amongst several contenders.
Beyond Brooklyn’s steep asking price, Sacramento also has another factor to consider in chasing Johnson. As it is, the former North Carolina star earns $22.5MM annually out of the $92.5MM extension he inked with the Nets last 2023.
In this matter, beyond meeting the potential draft assets that the Nets will ask for, the Kings would be required to shed some of its key units just to match the salary of Johnson.
Nevertheless, acquiring a player in the caliber of Johnson would be instrumental for the Kings. With his 3-and-D tendencies, Johnson will be a tremendous help for Sacramento to elevate their offense and dynamics in defending opponents. In addition, he also fits like a glove around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis who thrive in making opportunities with their passing abilities.
As pressure urges them to take a leap following the dismissal of Mike Brown, we can only observe how the Kings will continue making progress about the prospect of adding Johnson and any other logical trade candidates for their needs ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.
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