One of the trade targets from the Denver Nuggets that was expected to be traded was Cam Johnson. They don’t need to hold on to Johnson, as he didn’t have the greatest first season in Denver, and his contract would benefit the front office greatly if moved, given the Nuggets’ current financial situation, which is one of the worst in the league. However, according to Michael Scotto of ‘HoopsHype’, the Nuggets “have rebuffed” teams interested in the 30-year-old sharpshooter.
That’s disappointing news for the LA Clippers, to say the least. Tyronn Lue could’ve really utilized Johnson in several ways next season, and with his salary expiring next summer, there is no long-term obligation in place.
Now, with Johnson out of the picture, the Clippers have to continue their search for serviceable wings to add to the team.
The Nuggets’ front office is making a mistake by keeping Cam Johnson out of trade talks
The goal for the Denver Nuggets this summer should have been one thing, and one thing only: saving money in any way possible. They made a mistake by extending Christian Braun for five years worth $125 million, and bringing back Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones meant shedding salary was a must.
Getting rid of Cam Johnson in a salary-dumping move does just that. And it’s not like losing Johnson would be a major loss to the team.
He averaged just 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 54 games for the Nuggets, then proceeded to shoot a combined 11-35 from beyond the arc in six postseason games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which put his team in a position to lose in the first round.
The Nuggets clearly don’t see it that way, though, which is a decision that will come back to haunt them sooner or later.
So, for the LA Clippers, they’ll simply have to pivot to other options that match what they’re looking for.
Players entering the final year of their contracts, such as Max Strus, De’Andre Hunter, and Caris LeVert, could be good options, or finding a way to land young players for the long run like Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga would be smart.
Nonetheless, Johnson, who brings a level of three-point shooting the Clippers need to add to the roster, is essentially out of the picture. All things considered, the opposite is what was expected to take place from the Nuggets’ end.
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