Report: Kings had ‘extensive’ trade talks with Nets for Johnson originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Kings are craving some wings.
Sacramento, currently 15-19 and 12th in the Western Conference, has its eyes on the Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, Athletic’s Sam Amick reported Thursday, citing team sources.
Amick explained that the Kings understand his The current squad is not competitive enough. and they believe Johnson can help plug some holes.
“…Team sources say they are focusing on improving the current roster while closing any and all queries related to (De’Aaron Fox),” Amick wrote. “Specifically, the Kings are known to have had extensive conversations with the Brooklyn Nets regarding forward Cam Johnson.
“There is an internal awareness that the roster needs to be improved, and the pursuit of Johnson is just one of many avenues the Kings are known to be exploring.”
Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson has become “kind of a priority” for the Sacramento Kings, according to @sam_amick
“Brooklyn and the Kings have had some pretty extensive conversations on that front. I think the price the Nets are asking is still too high for the Kings’ blood.” pic.twitter.com/IBUEDc78Ax
— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) January 2, 2025
Sacramento has not expressed any interest in going from foxespecially after the surprising firing of coach Mike Brown last week. Instead, the Kings are still focused on winning, specifically now.
Johnson, a six-year NBA veteran, is averaging 19.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the uncompetitive 12-21 Nets. He is known for his two-way prowess and versatility in virtually any lineup. Johnson made a name for himself alongside renowned guards David Booker and cris pablo on competitive Phoenix Suns teams and was traded, along with his star teammate Mikal Bridges — to Brooklyn in exchange for the former Warriors star Kevin Durant.
Acquiring Johnson, 28, would be perfect for Sacramento. However, the fact that Durant was traded for him indicates the high price Brooklyn has for him.
“Brooklyn and the Kings have had some pretty extensive conversations on that front,” Amick reiterated. Jason Ross of Sactown Sports on Thursday. “I think the Nets’ asking price is still too high for the Kings’ blood, and maybe as we get closer to the deadline, that will change. But it seems to be a priority for them. “They hope Brooklyn changes its stance.”
The 2024-25 NBA trade deadline falls on February 6. Sacramento has about a month to decide whether to go for Johnson, but general manager Monte McNair and Co. must act soon before the season slips away from the Kings.
For what it’s worth, Amick expects the Kings to look for multiple upgrades before the deadline. It is unknown what Sacramento does with its winning effort.
However, one thing is certain: The Kings understand their team as currently built, it won’t be hoisting a Larry O’Brien championship trophy anytime soon.
“But yes, they know this squad has flaws,” Amick added to Ross. “He De Mar De Rozan The move has not been as smooth as they expected and they are looking for solutions.”