The Sacramento Kings made one of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason, acquiring All-Star DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls. Now Sacramento has re-emerged in NBA trade rumors and is facing competition from one of the NBA’s top trade candidates.
While the buzz around the NBA offseason has died down with many of the top players out of contract, there are still a few players available. Teams that missed out on some of the top talent in NBA free agency or feel they need one more piece to strengthen their roster for next season have a few options.
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According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Kings are among the teams still interested in a trade for Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson. In addition to Sacramento, the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers have also expressed interest in the Nets wing.
These aren’t the only NBA trade rumors linking Johnson, as Hoops Wire’s Ashish Mathur reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers are also keeping an eye on the Nets forward.
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Cameron Johnson stats (ESPN): 13.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG < 2.4 APG, 44.6 FG%, 27.6 MPG
Johnson, 28, started 47 games for Brooklyn last season and was benched in 11 more. As part of the return package acquired in the Kevin Durant trade with the Phoenix Suns, the 6-foot-8 forward has adjusted well to a role in the Nets’ rotation.
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Brooklyn will undoubtedly be asking a premium for the former No. 11 overall pick. Johnson is under contract for the next three seasons and will make $23.624 million next year. With the Nets in the midst of a rebuild, they won’t need him.
The Lakers don’t necessarily have the cap space to take on Johnson’s contract, so it could be a battle between the Magic, Cavaliers and Kings. NBA rumors about Johnson’s potential move will likely be quiet for the rest of the summer, but activity should pick up in September.