NBA Rumors: Kings Not in Cam Johnson Talks, Will Aggressively Explore Trade Options

Don't expect the Sacramento Kings to swing a deal for Brooklyn Nets' wing Cam Johnson.

According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Kings have been "frequently mentioned this month as an aggressive trade suitor for the Nets' sharpshooter, but league sources told The Stein Line on Wednesday that there have been no discussions between the Kings and Nets regarding Johnson for weeks. Sources say that the Kings, at this juncture, do not see a pathway to a workable Johnson deal with the Nets."

Stein added that the Kings are "aggressively exploring their trade options in advance of the deadline but do not appear to be close to the forefront of the Johnson chase as we speak."

Reports have suggested that the two sides might be close to a deal, haggling over draft assets involved, though Stein's report suggested otherwise.

NBA reporter Jake Fischer previously noted on the Bad Weather Fans Podcast (h/t Wilko Martinez Cachero of SI.com) that the "word around the league" is that the Nets would "move [Johnson] if they get two firsts and stuff."

Johnson, 28, is having a fantastic season for Brooklyn, averaging 19.4 points per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three. He undoubtedly would benefit a contender as a floor-spacing wing, though on a better team his offensive role would undoubtedly be shrunk—Johnson is currently attempting a career-high 13.1 shots per contest.

While his $22.5 million salary won't be the easiest to match for contenders looking to upgrade on the wing, the fact that he's under contract through the 2026-27 season should be attractive for teams with a championship window that will remain open for several seasons. The Nets, however, should be seeking significant draft capital to move him, as Brooklyn is in desperate need of a complete rebuild around young players.

The 22-20 Kings could use an injection of shooting and Johnson would be a nice upgrade over a player like Kevin Huerter on the wing. It sounds as though for now, however, they'll be going in a different direction.