One of the many surprising elements of the 2024-25 trade deadline was Cam Johnson staying put.
This season’s trade saga offered tons of unforeseen turn of events from the Luka Doncic mega deal, De’Aaron Fox going to the San Antonio Spurs, Jimmy Butler heading to the Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors unexpectedly trading for Brandon Ingram.
Yet, interestingly, no movement occurred between Cam Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets.
It should be noted that Johnson emerged as one of the league’s hottest trade candidates this season. With his skill set and reliable tendencies as a 3-and-D forward, several contending teams have closely monitored his availability.
Despite all of these, the Nets didn’t move the needle as they are strongly compelled to stick with the sweet-shooting forward.
Brooklyn’s decision not to ship Johnson away stems from the team’s long-term plans which general manager Sean Marks is optimistic to continue molding.
In the latest upload of the ‘Brooklyn Bridges’ video series being posted by the Nets on its YouTube account that demonstrates the team’s season progress, Marks appeared and detailed why he and the franchise didn’t opt to pull the trigger for Johnson.
“With Cam, there was a lot of interest in him just as there was with a lot of our guys. But we like Cam and we think Cam fits multiple builds that we are doing,” Marks said.
“He’s a voice of reason. He’s well-respected within that locker room. He’s a pro’s pro. So if people can learn from somebody, they learn from Cam Johnson.
“That’s a great guy to pick up habits from.”
The Nets have orchestrated several significant trades amid their intent to rebuild. From dealing Dennis Schroder away and sending Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers, everyone expected that Johnson would serve as the next man out for the organization.
But Brooklyn certainly sees something special and admirable from Johnson which prompted them to stick with him.
Beyond his impressive production, averaging a career-high 19.1 points and 48.9 percent shooting this year, Johnson wholeheartedly embraced the team’s leadership role as a 28-year-old veteran.
What Marks and the Nets are cooking for their desired future is interesting, providing you take Marks’ comments at face value – and that they just did not get an offer they deemed suitable.
