Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Cam Johnson: Market Value and Brooklyn Nets Strategic Trade Deadline Approach
Jan 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson (2) reacts after scoring a basket and earning a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton/Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
As the Brooklyn Nets prepare to face the Indiana Pacers, the trade landscape is buzzing with activity, particularly surrounding Cam Johnson. Sean Marks, the Nets’ general manager, is strategically navigating the movement of veteran talents, and the timing of injuries seems to be aligning perfectly with Brooklyn’s long-term goals.
Cam Johnson’s Trade Value
Cam Johnson has become the centerpiece of trade discussions, and his value remains high despite a recent ankle injury. Reports indicate that there are upwards of a dozen teams actively interested in acquiring Johnson, highlighting his skills and potential impact on a contending team.
The list of potential suitors includes the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat. This widespread interest places the Nets in a strong position to negotiate and potentially secure a significant return for Johnson.
With the trade deadline approaching on February 6th, the Nets face a delicate balancing act. Johnson’s current injury, while not serious, serves as a reminder of the risks involved in holding onto valuable assets too close to the deadline. Brooklyn will likely be cautious with Johnson’s playing time in the coming weeks to preserve his trade value and minimize injury risk.
With sixteen games on the Nets schedule until the deadline, and Johnson currently on the shelf, it is likely Johnson will play fewer than 10 more games for the Nets before being traded. This conservative approach allows Brooklyn to showcase Johnson’s abilities while protecting its assets and maximizing potential trade returns.
Sean Marks’ Strategic Approach
Marks’ approach to trading veteran talents has been both strategic and patient. The recent trades of Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith demonstrate Brooklyn’s commitment to acquiring future assets and positioning themselves for long-term success. As the deadline approaches, the Nets will likely field multiple offers for Johnson and other veterans on the roster. The goal is to secure the best possible package of young talent and draft picks to accelerate the rebuilding process.
The Nets’ strategy involves not just moving players but also building a cohesive team identity. As they navigate the trade market, the focus remains on creating a roster that aligns with their long-term vision. This involves careful consideration of each trade offer and how it fits into the broader picture of the team’s future.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ trade strategies and potential moves, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Nets Podcast: - The impact of injuries on Brooklyn’s roster and trade plans - Potential landing spots for Cam Johnson and what the Nets might expect in return - The role of lower-level front office staff in trade negotiations
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Casting a cursory eye up and down the standings this weekend, I noticed some appearances that made me take a second look. This went for teams for climbing and sliding. So, I’m introducing a potentially recurring feature called “Monday movers”, highlighting teams jostling and jockeying in the standings, likely bound to get more contentious as the season goes on.
San Antonio Spurs
What a thrill it must be for long-suffering Spurs fans to take a glance at the West’s top 10 and see their team there, after so many seasons spent hanging around the bottom of the conference. What a thrill it was for me, too!
It’s not all because of Victor Wembanyama, but the phenom did hit two milestones this weekend: he played his 100th NBA game and he turned 21. His in-game numbers are similarly worth celebrating.
He’s the first player since Shaquille O’Neal to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds before turning 21, and the 7th player in the last 45 years to score over 2,200 points (he’s scored 2,278) through his first 100 games. Other than Bill Walton and Brad Daugherty, Wembanyama’s the only other 7-foot center with 385+ assists before turning 21, though their first 100 games. He’s also put up more threes than Steph Curry did, with 225 to Curry’s 200 through their first 100 games.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trades The Jimmy Butler vs. Heat saga escalated quickly: Here’s what we know. (ESPN)
Biz Amazon adds Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki to its inaugural studio coverage for the 2025-2026 season. (The Athletic)
Rumor The Indiana Pacers are reportedly a team to watch concerning a potential trade for Cam Johnson. This could shake up the Brooklyn Nets’ roster dynamics significantly. (NetsDaily)
Trade Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets has been linked to potential trades with the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies, reflecting ongoing strategic adjustments ahead of the deadline. Explore more about NBA trade rumors. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Pacers will challenge the Nets at the Barclays Center at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Closer Look at Brice Sensabaugh’s Scoring Surge
Jan 5, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz guard Brice Sensabaugh (28) is interviewed by Seg Media reporter, Lauren Green following a game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images | Russell Lansford/Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
One of the most intriguing developments on Sunday came from the Utah Jazz, where rookie Brice Sensabaugh has suddenly burst onto the scene with a scoring explosion.
Sensabaugh dropped 27 points against the Orlando Magic, following up a 34-point performance in his previous outing. That’s a staggering 61 points over two games for a player who had been largely off the fantasy radar. His usage rate has skyrocketed to over 30% in these contests, and he’s been scorching hot from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 17 three-point attempts.
However, before we rush to add Sensabaugh in all leagues, it’s crucial to examine the context of his breakout. The Jazz were missing several key players, including Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson. This opened up a significant opportunity for Sensabaugh to showcase his scoring prowess.
The sustainability of Sensabaugh’s production is questionable. His three-point shooting percentage is bound to regress, and when the Jazz get healthier, his minutes and usage are likely to decrease. That said, he’s shown enough to warrant consideration as a streaming option in deeper leagues, particularly when Utah is shorthanded.
Click the button below for more insights, including another Thunder player to keep an eye on for your fantasy roster.
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