Spurs Set Their Sights on $108 Million Trade Candidate: Is Cameron Johnson the Missing Piece?
As the San Antonio Spurs navigate the 2024 NBA offseason, the franchise has taken a measured approach, opting for solid veterans rather than making splashy, franchise-altering moves. While the acquisitions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes add experience and stability to the roster, they won’t significantly shift the championship landscape in the Spurs’ favor. Instead, the focus appears to be on evaluating their young core, while still keeping an eye on potential trade targets.
Among the names that have surfaced in trade discussions are notable talents like Lauri Markkanen, Darius Garland, Trae Young, and even Kevin Durant. However, it seems San Antonio is more inclined to see what their current roster can deliver before making any drastic changes. In a quieter, yet intriguing development, the Spurs have been linked to Brooklyn Nets’ wing Cameron Johnson, a move that could enhance their depth and shooting capabilities.
A Perfect Fit for the Spurs’ Vision
Cameron Johnson, a 28-year-old forward, boasts an impressive career shooting percentage of 39.1% from beyond the arc and has averaged 14.3 points per game over the last three seasons. With three years remaining on his contract, Johnson represents a potential long-term asset for the Spurs. While he’s been a target for some time, the Nets are reportedly asking for a significant return, indicating they recognize Johnson’s value even as they aim for a lottery-bound strategy following a sluggish 1-3 start to the season.
The Spurs have the financial flexibility to make a deal, with Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins available to match Johnson’s salary. Throwing in a future draft pick could further entice the Nets, who are looking to unload talent to enhance their odds in the upcoming draft lottery, especially with high-profile prospects like Cooper Flagg on the horizon.
Strengthening the Second Unit
If the Spurs were to secure Johnson, he could slot into a second unit alongside Tre Jones, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie, and either Collins or Sandro Mamukelashvili. This group would provide a potent scoring punch, combining solid shooting and versatile offensive play. With Johnson’s ability to stretch the floor, the Spurs could significantly bolster their offensive output from the bench.
There’s also the possibility that Johnson could challenge Barnes for a starting role, though it’s likely that head coach Gregg Popovich would prefer to maintain a mix of veterans and young talent, particularly alongside rising star Victor Wembanyama.
In conclusion, while the Spurs’ offseason has been characterized by prudent acquisitions rather than bold trades, pursuing Cameron Johnson could be a calculated move that pays dividends. As they strive to build a competitive roster for the future, adding a reliable shooter like Johnson may be just what San Antonio needs to enhance its depth and offensive firepower.
