February’s trade deadline is approaching fast, and so is the last chance for teams to make a change. While it’s not known who the Nets are looking to get, there’s a player who was highly expected to be on their chopping block earlier: Cam Johnson. In fact, the 28-year-old had already generated significant interest, with a report by Marc Stein revealing, “While the Pacers remain a team to monitor for Johnson, sources said, Sacramento continues to be mentioned as a potential suitor for Brooklyn’s in-demand marksman as well”. Unfortunately, any team looking to team up with the starting shooting guard will have to engage in a pricey deal now…

Brian Lewis of the NY Post recently reported that the Brooklyn Nets are seeking two first-round picks, “or equivalent” for Cam Johnson. This update came amidst the revelation, from Jake Fischer of ‘The Stein Line’, that the Kings and Pacers weren’t the only teams that had their eyes on Cam earlier. Even the Lakers were in the race. Their interest, however, changed after they sent D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Nets. Instead of Johnson, the LA team got Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

That wasn’t all, as the Purple and Gold gained 3 second-round draft picks as part of the exchange. Now, the Nets have to make up for their lost draft picks, which may have pushed them to add further barriers as part of a Johnson trade deal.

Cutting Dorian Finney-Smith, who was playing under a 4-year, $55,560,960 contract, would’ve been smart since the player’s contract was reaching its final stage. However, by losing him and Dennis Schroder, the Nets have weakened their roster over the last few weeks.

The repercussions of these actions were seen after the Nets-Clippers matchup. After all, the former lost the game by a whopping 59-point margin (126-67)! As a result, they may be even further reluctant to cut ties with Cam Johnson now.

As revealed by ‘A Royal Pain’, the Nets’ hesitance means they can wait for two more years remaining on Johnson’s four-year, $94.5 million contract. Either that or wait until the offseason or the next trade deadline cycle. Either way, the deal won’t easily happen for the Sacramento Kings. That is, unless, they offer a mouth-watering exchange.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Sacramento Kings may already have anticipated a scenario where Cam Johnson’s potential acquisition may not work out. Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, they have a ‘Plan B’ in place.

The Kings can pursue Johns Collins if they don’t acquire Cam Johnson

According to reports, Cam Johnson was just one player who the Kings were expected to make a bid for. Another forward in their sights was Utah Jazz’s John Collins. For Evan Sidery, the next team Johnson was most likely to be linked to was De’Aaron Fox and Co. However, amidst the recent troubles, things could change. After all, Sidery tweeted “Sacramento has their Plan A and Plan B trade options locked in: Johnson + John Collins. If Brooklyn ends up accepting another offer, Sacramento is preparing to pivot to Collins.”

Along with being a power forward, John Collins also performs around the same level as the Nets player. Johnson has averaged 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3 assists over the last 33 games. Collins averaged 17.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his last 27 appearances. While the 27-year-old may not be enough to address the Nets’ ‘wing needs’, his 6-foot-9 stature will give the Kings more size and depth in the frontcourt. Something that has been an area of weakness on the roster this season.

With potential negotiations underway, anything can happen over the next few days. Whether the final decision affects the Sacramento Kings’ chances remains to be seen. Put yourself in the shoes of the Kings front office. What would you have done?