Free Agent Cameron Johnson Would Give Jazz Improved Flexibility

With free agency now less than two months away, it’s time to start examining which players will be available, but also what’s feasible for a small-market team like the Utah Jazz.

Thanks to the Russell Westbrook trade, the Jazz are positioned to be aggressive this summer in free agency if an opportunity presents itself. Jazz CEO Danny Ainge made this clear in his post-season press conference.

“Fair contracts, good players—that’s beneficial,” Ainge said. “He’s [Ryan Smith] anxious to spend his money. We’re anxious to spend it.”

That said, Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson is a player that may be on the move this summer, but is he a player that makes sense for Utah?

The 6-foot-8 forward split time last year with the Phoenix Suns and Nets, averaging 15.5 ppg on an impressive 40.4% shooting from long distance. There’s always going to be a market for players with such a stat line, but it’s his versatility that stands out.

Johnson is listed as a power forward but has the skill set of an NBA shooting guard. A quick release on catch-and-shoot opportunities is his strength, and he’s a player that has to be accounted for at all times in half-court sets. Also, Johnson’s ability to play more than one position would give head coach Will Hardy more flexibility in juggling his rotations.

Johnson is adequate on the defensive side of the ball because of his size, length, and ability to play switch defense. However, he’s not a shutdown defender that’s going to stop an opponent’s best player. In terms of athleticism, Johnson isn’t going to turn heads, whether it be as a shot blocker or finishing at the rim.

Does Johnson fill a need for Utah moving forward? Ainge hinted at his postseason press conference where Utah will be looking to improve.

“We weren’t a very good shooting team at the end of the year," Ainge said. “We had a lot of injuries that contributed to that. But like Will said in his press conference—we need to get better defensively. I think those are the two focal points.”

Johnson checks those boxes, but is it possible that Utah could land the rising star? If they do it won’t be cheap.

Johnson bet on himself by turning down a four-year, $72 million contract prior to the 2022-23 season. It’s a wager that should pay off, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

“A 6-foot-8 wing who can shoot 40 percent from deep with solid defense will command top dollar”, Lewis wrote. “Sources say his floor is $18 million annually, and could easily top $20 million. And with a new league wide TV deal kicking in after 2024-25, it’ll make the end of Johnson’s contract a smaller cut of whatever the salary cap becomes.”

Because of Johnson’s restricted free agent status, the Nets can match any offer but could be limited due to salary cap issues that won’t open up until 2024-25. As a result, expect Johnson to be suiting up in a different uniform next year.

This is one of those situations where being in a small market makes it tough when dealing with players in high demand. There'll be a bidding war for Johnson’s services, and paying over the 20 million per year projection may be the only way for Utah to come out on top.

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream podcasts!