Brooklyn Nets may have to fend off Pacers to keep Cam Johnson
The Brooklyn Nets have an interesting summer ahead of them as they have important decisions to make such as how much they’re willing to pay to keep restricted free-agent Cam Johnson in town for the next few seasons. According to Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, the Nets will have to match an offer sheet of four years and $100 million to keep Johnson in Brooklyn.
After having a successful quarter-season with the Nets, along with some impressive performances in the playoffs, Johnson has set himself up for a major payday. Johnson, who came to Brooklyn in the Kevin Durant trade, showed that he could be more than just a 3-and-D kind of wing by showing off what he could do off the dribble.
Out of five free-agents that Brooklyn has, Johnson is clearly the most important one to keep due to his potential as a difference-maker on both ends of the floor. Along with that, forward Mikal Bridges has made it clear on multiple occasions that he wants the team to pay Johnson so it’s possible that not paying Johnson could have ramifications beyond just what happens with Johnson.
Here’s what Hughes had to say about Johnson’s restricted free-agency and what they predict will happen:
“Rebuilders such as the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets would be wise to tender offer sheets, as would teams further along in the construction process like the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz. Throw in the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs for completeness’ sake.
All that competition will drive prices skyward, which means the Nets must prepare themselves to match a nine-figure offer if they want to retain Johnson’s services over the next four seasons.”
