Grizzlies trade pursuit of Cam Johnson labeled ‘industry noise’

The Memphis Grizzlies are in the market for an addition amid a hot start to the season. Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson he was rumored as a trade candidate for the Grizzlies until the Feb. 6 trade deadline. However, one reporter close to Memphis moderate speculation on potential agreement.

“My reading is that this is more industry noise than anything. As of now, there is nothing substantial between Memphis and Brooklyn regarding the Cam Johnson deal,” wrote DayMichael Cole of the Commercial Appeal in response to a post linking Johnson to Memphis.

League executives expect Johnson to be among the NBA’s most sought-after players by the trade deadline. The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter has been one of the league’s best wings this season, averaging 19.5 points per game on 50/44/90 shooting.

Johnson ranks fourth in the NBA in three-point percentage among 60 players who attempt at least six per game, trailing only Zach LaVine, Kyrie Irving and Norman Powell. The Nets forward has been linked to the Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors, among others.

Grizzlies among teams linked to Cam Johnson trade before deadline

Brooklyn shifted its focus to draft positioning in the first year of its rebuild, trading away veterans Dennis Schroeder and Dorian Finney-Smith in the past month. Johnson is the next logical candidate for the Nets to trade. The 28-year-old is expected to make the most significant return of the three by a wide margin.

The Nets are seeking multiple first-round picks for Johnson, league sources told ClutchPoints. However, with two years remaining on his contract after this season at $21.5 million per year, they are under no obligation to trade him in a career-best year.

The Grizzlies face pressure to make a playoff run during year six of the Ja Morant era. They’ve looked like a contender so far, posting the NBA’s sixth-best record (25-14) and fourth-best net rating (7.1). The addition of Johnson would bolster Memphis’ fifth-ranked offense alongside Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bain.

However, Memphis and Brooklyn recently hit a snag in trade talks for Finney-Smith. The The Grizzlies reportedly offered a package of Luke Kennard, John Konchar and a 2025 first-round pick. for the veteran wing, but insisted on top 17 protection. They also sought the Nets’ 2025 second-round pick in the deal.

Brooklyn accepted an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers of D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks instead. The breakdown in negotiations led to “hard feelings” between the Nets and Grizzlies, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

It remains to be seen if Memphis and Brooklyn will return to the negotiating table during this transaction cycle. League sources told ClutchPoints that the Nets aim to avoid paying back significant long-term salary in trades.

The Grizzlies could use Kennard’s $9.2 million expiring contract as salary in the deal. They have three intriguing young wings in Santi Aldama, Jake LaRavia and Vince Williams Jr., along with control of their first-round picks through 2031.