While the Memphis Grizzlies remain third in the Western Conference with a 29-15 record and returning nearly their entire team for the first time this season, they continue to find themselves in trade rumors. It began when they struck out on a deal to send Luke Kennard, John Konchar, and their 2025 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and the Nets' 2025 second-round draft pick.
The Nets ultimately agreed to trade Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers thus leaving the Grizzlies to look for the next 3-and-D veteran wing to complete its roster for championship contention. While the DraftKings Sportsbook odds gave the Grizzlies fanbase hope for a Jimmy Butler trade, those got shut down when Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported Butler preferred to only go to the Phoenix Suns.
Seemingly, the Grizzlies' last path towards acquiring the veteran 3-and-D wing they aspire to have to complete their rotation lies with another Brooklyn Nets forward who has been tied to Memphis in rumors for almost a year now.
Cam Johnson trade proposal
The Ringer's founder, Bill Simmons, began his NBA midseason power rankings podcast episode by trying to find a match for Cam Johnson to be traded. He mentioned that with his salary, he had a tough time trying to find many teams with a collection of contracts to send to the Nets to obtain the 3-and-D wing.
He only mentioned a package from the Memphis Grizzlies with contracts that could be included to execute the deal along with a first-round draft pick. Seeing as the Nets spurned the Grizzlies just last month on a trade for Dorian FInney-Smith maybe the two sides aren't on the best of terms right now to trust a deal to be made.
However, Cam Johnson's value is at its peak and the Grizzlies have the assets to make a deal happen. Bill Simmons proposed the Grizzlies trade Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and at least one first-round pick for Cam Johnson. The hiccup with that trade would hinge on two things: Would Brooklyn want Marcus Smart's remaining contract (which expires next season), and would the Grizzlies be willing to trade multiple first-round picks?
The answers to these two questions would ultimately determine if that deal is executed along with what other teams offer.
Trade Proposal Grades:
Memphis Grizzlies: A
The Memphis Grizzlies would be elated to pull off that deal, as Cam Johnson fits what they do perfectly and has experience with deep playoff runs. They also get rid of Smart, who hasn't been healthy enough to know if he'd fit, and Jake LaRavia, who is a free agent this offseason. They also would only lose one first-round draft pick and keep their young wing nucleus of Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, and Vince Williams Jr.
Brooklyn Nets: B-
The Nets would likely be disappointed with this deal because they are seeking two first-round picks. However, as good as Cam Johnson is, they might be overvaluing his return as a high-level role player. They have the salary cap space to re-sign Jake LaRavia if they like what they see out of him, and Marcus Smart's value would heat up with his contract expiring deal next season.