Among players who could be traded before the February 6 deadline, Cam Johnson is generating the most interest. Several Western Conference contenders have been eyeing Johnson for a while, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have had their sights on the Brooklyn Nets forward since last season.
Johnson’s perimeter scoring and defensive length make him an appealing two-way player for Cleveland as they approach the trade deadline. The big question is whether the Nets will move Johnson, who has two more years left on his contract after this season.
Teams looking to acquire Johnson must consider his $4.5 million incentive clauses, which increase his $22.5 million cap hit to $27 million. This wouldn’t be a major issue for Cleveland, though it could raise their luxury tax bill.
Many top teams are limited in trade flexibility due to cap constraints, but Cleveland has Caris LeVert on an expiring $16.6 million contract. While there’s no indication the Cavs want to trade LeVert, his contract is Cleveland’s main avenue to acquire a player like Johnson.
In 31 games this season, Johnson has averaged 19.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 43.2% from three-point range. Adding him as a secondary scoring option alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland could make Cleveland even more formidable offensively.
The Cavs and Nets discussed a sign-and-trade involving Isaac Okoro last offseason. The Nets may still be interested in the defensive-minded wing, and acquiring LeVert on an expiring contract could allow Brooklyn to flip him for more assets.
The sticking point in a potential trade package is Cleveland’s unprotected 2031 first-round pick, which is their only tradeable first-round pick at the moment. Brooklyn may seek more value than the Cavs can currently offer.
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