In a significant development, restricted free agent mentor Cam Johnson has been awarded a lucrative contract to stay with the Brooklyn Nets. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Johnson has agreed to a four-year, $108 million deal. The deal comes after Johnson was traded mid-season from the Phoenix Suns, who drafted him in 2019.
BREAKING: Cam Johnson has agreed to a four-year, $108 million deal to stay with the Brooklyn Nets, tells his agent @tweet. pic.twitter.com/KoAUhN7A4s
– NBA on ESPN (ESPNNBA) June 30, 2023
Johnson took advantage on the first day of free agency
Known for his 3D and 3D skills, Johnson previously earned $18.6 million over four years on his rookie contract. Over the past season, playing for both the Suns and Nets, Johnson showed impressive numbers, averaging 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He demonstrated his shooting prowess by hitting 47% from the field and 40.4% from outside the arc in 5.2 attempts per game. Johnson’s new contract cements his role as a featured player in Brooklyn’s rebuilding process, following the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving deals. Johnson was part of a slew of free agents signing big deals on the first day of free agency.
Big deals in the first 2 hours of NBA Free Agency 🤯💰
Jerami Scholarship: 5 years, $160 million
Kyrie Irving: 3 years, $126 million
Cam Johnson: 4 years, $108 million
Khris Middleton: 3 years, $102 million
Kyle Kuzma: 4 years, $102 million
Draymond Green: 4 years, … pic.twitter.com/ISQqOQNrkP– ClutchPoints (ClutchPointsApp) July 1, 2023
Johnson profited from the breakup of the networks
Johnson joined the Nets as part of Durant’s trade, along with former teammate Sun Mikal Bridges. Both players have faced increased responsibilities and will continue to play important roles moving forward. Bridges signs with the team through the 2025-26 season. Johnson and Bridges are expected to join together with Nick Claxton, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Feeney Smith in the Nets starting lineup. Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith were acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in the Irving trade. While the Nets may have lost some star power from last season, they have a solid group of contributors that should make them competitive for a playoff spot next season.
In addition, the Nets gained valuable assets in the Durant trade, receiving four first-round picks from the Suns, along with another first-round pick in the Mavericks trade. One of those acquired picks was used to select Alabama forward Noah Clooney in the recent draft, further strengthening their roster for the future. The Nets strategically position themselves to navigate the evolving landscape of the NBA and stay competitive in the league.