Cam Johnson, Nets block trade rumors as deadline approaches

The NBA trade deadline is two weeks away The Brooklyn Nets are at the center of speculation. After trading Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith in December, the team remains active in negotiations leading up to February 6.

With a roster full of uncertainty, the Nets aren’t shying away from tough conversations.

“We’re open in our communication if they have any questions about anything that’s going on,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said of the trade rumors. “As you know, whatever is said in the media, it is what it is.” Those are things the players can’t control, we can’t control. It’s part of the job. We love our guys, and we want them here. If something changes and needs to be communicated, we will, as we have done in the past. We’ve been transparent and clear, and so far it’s worked very well.”

League executives expect the Nets to continue to chip away at the roster as they battle for the top draft pick. After moving on from hitting veterans in Schroder and Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson is the team’s largest remaining trade piece.

Cam Johnson blocks Nets trade speculation leading up to the deadline

Johnson is one of the NBA’s most sought-after trade targets coming off a career-best season. A 6-foot-8 shooter, who is currently on the sidelines due to a serious ankle injuryaveraged 19.4 points on 49/42/90 shooting in 35 appearances. Brooklyn is seeking a multiple first-round pick for his services, league sources told ClutchPoints.

While several teams — including the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers — continue to be linked to Johnson, the 28-year-old doing his best to block out the noise.

“I keep my head down.” I’m just trying to emotionally detach myself from it. I have to, for my own sake, put all that energy into the present and the team we have,” Johnson told the New York Post’s Brian Lewis. “No matter what happens, the Nets have put a lot of resources into trying to make me a better player.” So my job is to compete for the city, for this team, for this organization, for my teammates. And I will do that. And if I am changed, then that goal moves wherever I go. But for now, this is where I am.”

D’Angelo Russell no shortage of experience with trade deadline volatility. The 28-year-old has been involved in three mid-season substitutions (and five in total) during his career, the last of which sent him from the Los Angeles Lakers back to the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Like Johnson, the veteran point guard is focused on what he can control, a message he’s spreading throughout Brooklyn’s roster.

“I never care.” I never let my mind go to that. “The only time I think about it or talk about it or talk about it is when you all ask me,” Russell said of the trade uncertainty. “I’m really proud to stay away from things like that, things I can’t control.” I try to pass that message on to the younger guys as well.”