After rumors over the last week of the Grizzlies being named "as a team to watch" by NBA correspondent Marc Stein, the team was reported as close to making a move for Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith on Saturday night. The Grizzlies were reported to be in active discussions with the Nets to send away guards Luke Kennard and John Konchar along with a protected first-round draft pick in exchange for Finney-Smith.
Memphis was said to be offering a first-round pick protected past the lottery along with John Konchar and Luke Kennard for Finney-Smith.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 29, 2024
The Lakers, by packaging three second-rounders with D'Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis, will acquire Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, per ESPN. https://t.co/iixIzTPxvl
However, the Los Angeles Lakers swooped in at the ninth hour to obtain the Brooklyn Nets' 3-and-D wing to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis along with guard Shake Milton. The Nets received the expiring contract of D'Angelo Russell, second-year forward Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks.
Luke Kennard returned to the Grizzlies on a one-year deal this offseason expecting to be the team's primary backup shooting guard and shooter off the bench. However, an early season injury caused his role to decrease as second-round rookie wing Jaylen Wells, guard Scotty Pippen Jr., and forward Jake LaRavia stepped up and showed more defensive versatility.
John Konchar has been with the team since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and signed a four-year contract extension in 2022 that doesn't expire until the 2027 offseason. With the Grizzlies striking out on the Dorian Finney-Smith trade, they should prioritize this player for their next move.
Brooklyn Nets Forward Cam Johnson
The saying in the NBA is you can never have too many wings, and the Grizzlies have a collection of 3-and-D wings that will be hard to rival in any game when healthy. The Grizzlies will be able to throw Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr., Jake LaRavia, and Santi Aldama at any opponent to match any lineup.
As talented as that group might be, they lack the playoff experience needed for a team looking to contend for an NBA Championship. That is where a move for a player like Cam Johnson could enhance the Grizzlies' chances at coming out on top in the Western Conference.
Cam Johnson played a key role off the bench for the Phoenix Suns during their run to the NBA Finals in 2021, which ended in a 4-2 series loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a trade for Kevin Durant in 2023, he got a chance to be a starter in their first-round playoff series loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Cam Johnson will now be the next move for the Nets on the trade market following Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 29, 2024
After two trades, it’s clear what Brooklyn desires: prospects, draft picks and expiring contracts.
Johnson will bring back their most significant haul. pic.twitter.com/kVSptl08Ff
Cam Johnson is a career 39.5% shooter from three in the regular season and 41.7% from three in 38 career playoff games. He is also a versatile defender who would plug seamlessly into the Grizzlies' starting lineup. The Grizzlies would benefit from pivoting to obtain Cam Johnson as he would complete their roster in an attempt to accomplish the franchise's first-ever NBA title.