After their horrific loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup, it became quite evident that the Oklahoma City Thunder still have some room to grow and problems to fill.
Shooting a dreadful 16% from beyond the arc versus the Bucks, ranking 19th in the league in three-point percentage and 16th in rebounds per game, OKC should consider making a move for a player who can improve those glaring issues.
Proposed trade for Brooklyn Nets’ Cam Johnson
Last season, Oklahoma City was among the best in the league in shooting the three ball. However, whatever happened during the offseason and into this season, OKC has drastically fallen off in their three-point shooting.
Adding a player who is not only able to knock down those shots but can also grab boards and play defense would be extremely beneficial for the Thunder, and Cam Johnson may be the answer.
So far this season, Johnson is averaging 18.6 points per game to go along with 4.2 rebounds and three assists per game. As a 6’8″ wing, Johnson ranks 23rd in the NBA in three-point percentage (43%), which would lead the team if he were on the Thunder.
Right now, the Thunder have a ton of guard-like players fighting for playing time and lack the height needed to compete against talented tall teams. In this proposed trade, OKC would move on from two semi-underperforming role players and draft picks in order to secure the Nets’ forward:
Thunder receive: Cameron Johnson
Nets receive: Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, 2025 first round pick (via PHI) and 2025 first round pick (via MIA)
During this season, Wiggins is averaging 8.8 points per game on 39% three-point shooting and Joe is putting up 8.9 points per game on 38% three-point shooting. Not only would OKC open up more playing time for other guards, but they would add elite scoring and height that they desperately need.
For the Nets, they would get two great role players who have the ability to get hot in games while also obtaining a valuable Sixers pick.
MORE: Struggling 76ers may pave the way for OKC Thunder to have top lottery pick in 2025 NBA Draft
However, due to how large Johnson’s contract is (4 years, $94.5 million) and the inevitable payday for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, it would be hard to make the money work. But if anyone can get a trade done, it is Thunder GM Sam Presti.
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