The Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets are familiar with each other conversing about trades. When the Nets received Mikal Bridges from the Phoenix Suns in a trade for Kevin Durant, the Grizzlies reportedly offered four first-round picks for him, which was declined in February 2023.
Last summer, the Grizzlies traded former forward Ziaire Williams to the Nets in a salary dump before conversing with them in trades for Dorian Finney-Smith in December, and Cam Johnson in February. With uncertainty around the Nets' path forward with their roster, Cam Johnson's name is a highlight on the trade market once again.
With the NBA draft this week, ESPN decided to spin the block for the Grizzlies to obtain a player at a position of need following the Desmond Bane trade to the Orlando Magic.
Acquiring Cam Johnson would solve their opening at small forward
Cam Johnson has always been considered a near-perfect fit for the Grizzlies, and that hasn't changed because of the Bane trade. Previously, Memphis wanted to pair Johnson with Bane, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, pairing him with Morant, Jackson Jr., and Jaylen Wells sliding to the shooting guard position works as well due to length and defensive versatility.
While Bane wasn't a negative defender, Wells was one of the best wing defenders in the NBA in his surprising rookie season, and Johnson has been known to be a good defender throughout his six-year career. Also, Wells and Johnson are listed at 6'8" which would provide the team with a length on the perimeter to cover for Ja Morant's defensive deficiencies and spot-up shooters on offense.
ESPN proposed the Grizzlies utilize their assets received in the Desmond Bane trade by including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the No. 16 pick in this year's draft, Orlando's 2028 first, a 2030 first-round swap, and John Konchar for Johnson and the No. 27 pick in this year's draft.
Losing Caldwell-Pope as the newly acquired veteran would be replaced by Johnson, who is 29 years old and has NBA Finals experience. Also, including John Konchar and trading back in this year's draft would open up additional salary cap space for the team to renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract and extension.
Final Verdict
While this trade would be considered a win for the Grizzlies, a recent podcast appearance by Caldwell-Pope on his "The Dawg Talk Podcast" suggested he and the Grizzlies expect to continue their union. Due to the Grizzlies' transparency with their players, they will likely try to include a combination of either Brandon Clarke or Cole Anthony instead of Caldwell-Pope to execute this deal.
Adding Cam Johnson would be a win for a Grizzlies squad that is lacking wing depth, and keeping Caldwell-Pope would complete that execution.