Brooklyn Nets newcomer Cam Johnson might be in line for a huge payday in the 2023 offseason, as NBA executives reportedly believe that the upcoming restricted free agent could be offered a contract worth around $90 million.
One of the teams that could try to pry the sharpshooter away is apparently the Houston Rockets.
“Six NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype project Cam Johnson to earn a deal in the neighborhood of four years, $90 million in free agency this summer,” wrote Michael Scotto.
“Several teams are expected to have interest in Johnson as a restricted free agent, including the Houston Rockets, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Earlier this year, Brooklyn made some painful decisions by trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving away. However, the front office managed to cut its losses admirably by bringing in several key pieces to help the team begin a new era.
One name that has been ringing loudly since the trade deadline in Brooklyn has been Mikal Bridges. A former lottery pick, Bridges has turned into a rising star who the Nets can build around moving forward. In 27 appearances with his new squad, Bridges averaged 26.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in the regular season.
But an underrated player for the franchise has been Johnson, who was part of the trade package that shipped Durant to the Phoenix Suns and brought in Bridges. The fourth-year pro registered some of the best numbers of his career with Brooklyn during the regular season, making it clear that an expanded role is beneficial for the No. 11 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft.
He was extra impressive in this year’s playoffs, when he put up 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 made 3-pointers per match.
Johnson has been one of the feel-good stories of his draft class. Upon entering the league, some pundits saw him as nothing more than a shooter who might not be quick enough to guard wing players or strong enough to defend big men. However, the University of North Carolina product has turned himself into a solid two-way player.
As such, there seems to be high demand for the 6-foot-8 pro, giving the Nets some competition for his services. The Rockets could be a good landing spot, as Johnson would fit their timeline well.
Only time will tell where Johnson ends up next season, although with Brooklyn holding the right to match any offer sheet that he receives, he may ultimately stay put.
