Over the last few weeks, it seems that nearly every NBA team has called the Brooklyn Nets about Cam Johnson.
Now there is reporting that says the Sacramento Kings are angling to get the exciting young star.
According to James Ham, via Evan Sidery, the Kings and Nets are “negotiating over fist-round pick protections in a potential trade involving Cam Johnson.”
The two teams are debating because the Nets are demanding an unprotected first-round pick, while the Kings are only willing to offer if it’s protected.
Will these two teams see eye-to-eye, and will Sacramento be Johnson’s new home?
The Kings and Nets are negotiating over first-round pick protections in a potential trade involving Cam Johnson, per @James_HamNBA (https://t.co/4slCuOO1k5).
Brooklyn wants an unprotected future first for Johnson, but Sacramento currently is only willing to offer it protected. pic.twitter.com/JUMiCuxiJD
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 22, 2025
One can understand why this is such a tricky situation.
An unprotected draft pick means the Nets would have the pick no matter where it falls.
But if it’s protected, the Kings could hold onto the pick if it lands within a certain range in the draft.
It’s a major distinction and something that most teams discuss when they are putting together a trade.
The fact that the Nets want an unprotected pick shows how much they value Johnson.
They think he is worth a lot and aren’t willing to take anything less than what they feel they deserve.
Johnson has been sought by a bunch of teams for the last few months.
This season, the 28-year-old forward is putting up 19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 49.1 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from the three-point line.
He could be a great fit with the Kings, but he could also make a lot of teams happy.
That means if the Nets can’t get what they want from the Kings, they could go elsewhere to put together a deal they’re really happy with.
NEXT: 1 NBA Coach Gives Honest Thoughts On Trade Speculation
