Why the Warriors probably won’t trade for Cam Johnson

Cam Johnson is among the NBA’s most sought-after trade targets by the Feb. 6 deadline. The Golden State Warriors are among the teams expressing interest in Brooklyn Nets in advance during the past month. However, after acquiring Dennis Schroder from Brooklyn On Dec. 15, Golden State is unlikely to return to the negotiating table for a deal with Johnson.

The The Warriors pursued Johnson during preliminary talks with the Nets before the Schroeder deal. However, the asking price was too high. League sources told ClutchPoints that Brooklyn is seeking multiple first-round picks for Johnson.

Golden State instead opted to trade De’Anthony Melton and three second-round picks for Schroeder and one second-round pick.

Why the Warriors are unlikely to make Cam Johnson move before the deadline

After parting ways with Melton’s expiring $12.8 million contract, it would be difficult for the Dubs to match Johnson’s salary on another contract. While Johnson’s cap hit is $22.5 million, any team trading for him must reach $27 million because of the unlikely incentives in his contract.

League sources told ClutchPoints that the Nets also want to avoid giving back long-term salary in the trade. With Brooklyn unlikely to be interested in an Andrew Wiggins contract and Draymond Green off the table, Golden State would have to collect four contracts to match Johnson’s $27 million salary.

Further, the Warriors are unlikely to part with significant draft picks amid a 20-20 start. Stephen Curry he said earlier this week that he doesn’t want to see Golden State make a “desperate” move that would “blacken the future” of the franchise.

“Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there’s a responsibility to let or keep the franchise in a good space and in a good place when it comes to where we leave this thing when we’re done,” Curry told Anthony Slater of the Athletics. . “That doesn’t mean you don’t try to get better.” That doesn’t mean you’re not active in any kind of search if you have an opportunity where a trade makes sense or even during the summer (if) free agency (a move) makes sense. You want to keep improving.

“Nobody wants to be stagnant or be in a situation where you’re missing opportunities.” But that doesn’t mean you’re desperate and just throwing funds everywhere just because you want to do something.”

Although a trade to the Warriors is unlikely, a number of teams are interested in acquiring Johnson. The Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder, among other teams, have inquired about the 6-foot-8 shooting guard’s availability.

Johnson is having the best season of his career, averaging 19.6 points per game on 50/43/90 shooting. The Nets will field offers for the 28-year-old before the deadline as they continue to tear down the roster in search of the top draft pick.