The Golden State Warriors pulled off the best possible trade amidst their slump. The team clearly lacked an orchestrator around Stephen Curry, and the Dubs managed to steal Dennis Schroder in exchange for De’Anthony Melton and draft capital. However, this question also gave rise to the question – Why didn’t the team throw the rope for Cam Johnson? Yes, it’s indeed a valid question when the 28-year-old forward is amidst career season.
Importantly, renowned NBA Insider Evan Sidery reported that the Warriors pursued both Nets stars. But the Dubs had to drop the idea, as the Brooklyn demanded Jonathan Kuminga in return and the Warriors are unwilling to send out JK. Apart from that, there’s another reason why the Dubs can’t pursue Johnson. ESPN’s Bobby Marks perfectly explained the hurdle that stopped the Warriors from pursuing the in-form 6 ‘8 power forward.
Firstly, Cam Johnson has put up great numbers this season, averaging a career-high 18.6 ppg. So, he is undoubtedly a great fit for the Warriors’ short lineup. Anyway, what stopped the potential trade? It was just a matter of $4.5 million, said Marks. In the latest episode on NBA on ESPN, he said, “Cam Johnson, the thing with Cam and when you talk to teams, those bonuses.” Bonuses are something that a player gets apart from their contract value based on their performances. For instance, the team would pay the player for achieving certain statistical milestones, making the All-NBA team, and for many other reasons.
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Bobby Marks further added, “When you’re an apron team or any team bonuses count against the apron he’s got $4.5 million in unlikely bonuses that will count besides his $22.5 million that’s a big number I mean $27 million remember this a third of (teams that) are either in the apron or pressed up against the apron and it is extremely extremely hard to go out and trade for $20 million plus type guys.”
Looking at the way the Warriors have allocated the player payroll, they are well above the salary cap but slightly under the hard cap with a commitment of $177.7 million this season. Can the Warriors push further?
There’s another reason too! Marc Stein explained the Cam Johnson roadblock
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Dennis Schroder, a much more talented playmaker than De’Anthony Melton, came into the side, occupying only $13 million this season. This is a real steal for the Dubs. And importantly, they have become much stronger on paper after the trade. Nevertheless, many addressed that the Warriors missed on Johnson, as mentioned earlier.
Marc Stein, one of the trusted NBA Insiders, listed the possible reasons behind the roadblock. And it’s something to do with Jonathan Kuminga. Stein reported that the Warriors were put on to spot to “surrender” the rising star to get both Nets players.
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The Insider further added, “It makes more sense for Golden State to give it more time before going to such lengths to see A) how Kuminga continues to handle a role that the Warriors have gradually been expanding and B) whether saving Kuminga for down-the-road trade talks can help them land a true All-Star-caliber sidekick for Stephen Curry after the Warriors’ unsuccessful offseason trade pursuits of Paul George and Lauri Markkanen”
So what do you make of Marc Stein’s take on the Cam Johnson roadblock? Will the Warriors prove to succeed without him? Let us know in the comments below.
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