NBA Mock Trade: Thunder Target Cameron Johnson in Proposed Deal with Nets
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a roll, quickly climbing to the top seed in the Western Conference just a month after reaching the summit. As one of the most well-constructed rosters in the league, the Thunder possess all the tools necessary to contend for a championship. However, with an eye on upgrading their wing position, the Brooklyn Nets might just have what Oklahoma City needs.
Thunder’s Impressive Core
The Thunder have built an enviable roster, starting with top-five talent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Complementing him is All-Star-caliber two-way player Jalen Williams, defensive-minded guards like Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace, and a towering 7-footer in Isaiah Hartenstein. Despite missing promising big man Chet Holmgren due to injury, the team has remained dominant, rivaling even the Boston Celtics for the league’s best record.
With a roster this strong, the Thunder may not need to make any moves. But if they decide to upgrade their wing position, Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson is an ideal fit.
Why Cameron Johnson Fits
Standing 6’9”, Johnson is a dynamic scorer, averaging 18.8 points per game this season with an impressive 43% three-point shooting percentage. Johnson not only provides scoring punch but also thrives in systems like Oklahoma City’s, thanks to his high basketball IQ and efficiency. His assist-to-turnover ratio has even set records early in the season.
Adding Johnson would bolster the Thunder’s championship aspirations, making him a logical target for General Manager Sam Presti and his staff.
Proposed Trade
Here’s a potential deal:
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Cameron Johnson
Brooklyn Nets receive: Luguentz Dort, Nikola Topic
This trade highlights the challenges of upgrading OKC’s roster without breaking the bank. Johnson’s $24 million salary requires Oklahoma City to match salaries, which means including valuable assets like Dort.
What the Nets Get
The Nets gain a valuable defensive stopper in Luguentz Dort, whose perimeter defense is among the best in the league. Alongside Dort, Brooklyn receives a promising young guard in Nikola Topic, the No. 12 overall pick from last year’s draft. While Topic is still a bit of a mystery box, his potential as a lead guard makes him an intriguing asset.
This trade structure likely eliminates the need for OKC to include future draft picks. With Dort and Topic on board, Johnson’s valuation—often pegged at a single first-round pick—is adequately matched.
Why the Trade is Unlikely
Despite the potential benefits for both teams, this deal faces hurdles. For Oklahoma City, parting with Dort—an integral piece of their defensive identity—is not a decision to be made lightly. Dort’s combination of lockdown defense and tenacity is rare and highly valued within the organization.
On Brooklyn’s side, Johnson is a crucial player for their current build, and moving him without receiving future draft capital might be a tough sell.
Moreover, the Thunder’s conservative approach to long-term salary commitments makes any trade for a high-cost player like Johnson unlikely in the short term. OKC appears content with their current trajectory, keeping their assets and flexibility intact.
The idea of Cameron Johnson joining the Oklahoma City Thunder is tantalizing, but the practicalities of such a trade make it more of a hypothetical scenario than an imminent deal. Both teams would benefit, but the cost to OKC might be too steep, and the Nets may hesitate without substantial draft compensation.
Still, as the Thunder continue to rise in the standings, the possibility of a bold move to solidify their contender status remains a storyline to watch.
