MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

After an astounding start to the 2024-25 NBA season, Memphis acquires sharpshooter Cameron Johnson for Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, a 2030 first-round pick swap between the Suns and the Wizards, and their 2026 first-rounder. Memphis maximizes the spacing around Ja Morant, their franchise point guard. Ja Morant is an exceptional athlete and a talented playmaker. Shooters will accentuate his playmaking and slashing. As a career 39% three-point shooter in a career year in Brooklyn, Cameron Johnson is perfect in this role for Memphis. Moreover, Cameron Johnson forms a proficient sharpshooting wing duo alongside Desmond Bane, a career 41% three-point shooter. This level of perimeter gravity paired with Ja Morant's rim gravity in Memphis places the Grizzlies in a highly-competitive position with a bright outlook. Cameron Johnson also fits well with the Grizzlies' frontcourt of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey. Memphis eyes a deep playoff run in the 2025 NBA Playoffs to pick up where they left off in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Adding Cameron Johnson, a key starter who has notable postseason experience from his time in Phoenix, establishes the following starting lineup in Memphis:

Ja Morant - Desmond Bane - Cameron Johnson - Jaren Jackson Jr. - Zach Edey

BROOKLYN NETS

Brooklyn receives a noteworthy return for Cameron Johnson, featuring an abundance of rebuilding assets from the Grizzlies in Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, a 2026 Grizzlies first-rounder, and a 2030 first-round pick swap between the Wizards and the Suns, as they build for the future. Brooklyn's purpose behind making this trade is four-fold:

1. Accumulate Future Draft Capital

   • Brooklyn acquires an unprotected 2026 first-rounder as well as a 2030 first-round pick swap between Phoenix and Washington D.C., from the Grizzlies for Cameron Johnson, which ideally suits their direction and ongoing rebuild. The additional 2026 first-rounder has value for the Nets, especially in a draft class featuring many highly-skilled prospects, most notably AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, along with their 2025 draft capital and their 2027 draft capital. Brooklyn also receives a 2030 pick swap, which aligns with their goal of landing top picks in the next two drafts

2. 2025 NBA Draft Lottery Odds

   • The Nets now aim for a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after receiving their 2025 first-rounder and the 2026 first-rounder back from Houston when trading Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, as the 2025 NBA Draft features top-tier, high-upside young talent such as Cooper Flagg, Airious Bailey, Dylan Harper, V.J. Edgecombe, and Egor Demin

3. Expiring Salary

   • It has been reported that the Nets do not want to take on salary beyond this season, which they receive here in Luke Kennard and gain salary relief by making this trade

4. More Minutes For Youth

   • After this trade, there will be more minutes to go around for the many youthful forwards in Brooklyn, such as Ziaire Williams, Dariq Whitehead, Jalen Wilson, and Trendon Watford

The Nets now open a two-year window where they will build through the draft. Optimally, the Nets will be in position to draft a prospect such as AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer in the 2026 NBA Draft, in addition to a top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Additionally, the Nets receive strong player value with a starting-caliber power forward in Brandon Clarke and a career 43% three-point shooter in Luke Kennard. The Nets now have the following starting lineup:

Ben Simmons - Cameron Thomas - Dorian Finney-Smith - Brandon Clarke - Nicolas Claxton

Memphis acquires the ideal final fifth starter as they eye a deep postseason run in 2025. Brooklyn receives value in the form of youth and draft capital as they maximize their odds at landing top picks in the 2025 NBA Draft and the 2026 NBA Draft. This trade sets both teams on the correct path to success in their respective directions.

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