The Brooklyn Nets could regret Cam Johnson’s contract more than any other. His deal, worth between $65.5 and $78.7 million over three years, is a significant financial commitment for a team entering a rebuild. Johnson, a key piece from the Kevin Durant trade, has been a solid player. However, there are several reasons to believe that the Nets may not see the return on investment they hoped for when they acquired him from the Phoenix Suns.
The Nets Have a Cam Johnson Contract Conundrum
First, Johnson is 28 years old, older than most players from his 2019 draft class. Age becomes a factor when thinking long-term, especially for a team aiming to rebuild. By the time the Nets are competitive again, Johnson could be past his prime, making it harder to justify such a hefty contract. His age is less of an issue for contenders, but for a rebuilding team, paying $22.5 to $27 million a year for a veteran may not align with their long-term strategy.
Johnson’s durability is another concern. He has never played more than 66 games in a season, which raises questions about his ability to stay on the court. Injuries could limit his impact, which would only exacerbate concerns about his value over the next few years. Given the Nets’ situation, every dollar spent must contribute to their rebuild, and Johnson’s health history puts that in jeopardy.
Additionally, the return Johnson might bring in a trade could disappoint the Nets. While he’s a talented player, the team may struggle to get equal value in return. He may not command the kind of assets that would make trading him worthwhile. With Mikal Bridges already traded to the Knicks, the Nets are clearly shifting toward a younger, more flexible roster. Johnson, despite his talent, might not fit into that vision.
Cause For Some Concern
Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report assigned Johnson’s contract a potential regret level of 5 out of 10, reflecting moderate concern. This ranking is fair considering Johnson’s talent, but also the reality of his situation. If Johnson doesn’t bring back significant trade value or struggles with injuries, the Nets could be stuck paying a substantial sum for diminishing returns.
In a rebuilding phase, every decision matters, and Johnson’s contract could hinder the Nets’ flexibility. His salary takes up valuable cap space that could be used to develop younger talent or sign future free agents. If the Nets are truly committed to a long-term rebuild, they may regret locking themselves into a deal with a player who could decline before the team is ready to compete.
The Last Word
In conclusion, while Johnson is undoubtedly a good player, his contract poses several risks for the Brooklyn Nets. His age, injury history, and potential lack of trade value all make his deal one that the team could regret. For a team in the early stages of a rebuild, Johnson’s contract could become a financial burden rather than a valuable asset. If the Nets can’t find a trade partner for Johnson, they may find themselves wishing they had invested their money elsewhere.
