Marc Stein reports that the Brooklyn Nets are asking for “multiple first-round picks” in exchange for Cam Johnson. Now, that’s a hefty price for a 28-year-old small forward who’s averaging 19.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this season. Look, Johnson’s been solid, but when you stack up his numbers against other recent trades for players with similar stats, the Nets’ asking price starts to seem a little on the higher side. But all of this doesn’t matter when you’re injured!

Johnson’s night was cut short against the Magic when he left with 3:42 left in the third quarter because of left hip soreness. According to Cody Taylor of USA Today, he won’t return. Johnson finished with nine points (3-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, three assists, and three steals over 25 minutes.

It’s tough luck for Cam Johnson, who had just missed the Nets’ last game on Friday because of a right hip contusion. Now, it’s his other hip that’s causing problems. He had been rolling, scoring 18 or more points in five straight games, but with Cam Thomas (hamstring) back and D’Angelo Russell set to join the lineup on Wednesday in Toronto, Johnson’s role might take a hit.

The Nets are at a key moment after shipping Dennis Schroder to the Warriors and Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers for six second-round picks. They were hoping to set a high asking price for players like Johnson, but with the market shifting, getting multiple first-rounders now feels more complicated. The Grizzlies, who nearly traded for Finney-Smith, could turn to Johnson soon, especially as the February 6 deadline nears. Brooklyn’s next move will be very crucial.

Can they still get the big haul they want for him? It’s a game of high stakes, and we’re all watching to see how it plays out.

Cam Johnson fits the bill for the Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City’s defense is already elite, ranked 2nd in the league. And they’re doing all of this without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein playing together even once. The Thunder don’t need help on that end, but their offense could use a boost, particularly in outside shooting.

Right now, they’re only hitting 33% of their threes when excluding wide-open attempts. That’s a major concern, especially when playoff defenses make it harder to get clean looks. Last season, OKC struggled with contested threes in their loss to Dallas, and that needs to change.

Enter Cam Johnson. This guy’s a sniper, hitting 40.6% of non-wide-open triples and 42.3% overall. He’d fit perfectly next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, providing the floor spacing they need to open driving lanes. Johnson’s also a beast in the pick-and-roll, ranking third in the league for handoff possessions, and he’d mesh well with Hartenstein in that regard.

Off the ball, Cam Johnson’s movement is a headache for defenders, pulling them away from the paint and giving the Thunder’s playmakers more room. He’s got a reliable off-the-dribble jumper, and his transition scoring adds another wrinkle to the offense.

Cam Johnson is in high demand, so the price tag will be steep.

The Nets will likely ask for a young talent and at least two first-round picks. For the Thunder, making the numbers work won’t be a problem. They’re under the first apron and have $16.2 million in space, enough to absorb Johnson’s $22.5 million salary.

They could move Ousmane Dieng’s $5 million, but to match the rest, they’d likely have to give up someone like Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins. Sam Presti will need to act fast—making this trade will cost a fan favorite and future assets.