Former Suns F Cam Johnson Could Reunite With Monty Williams
The Detroit Pistons have established two things.
1. They believe in their young core of players featuring Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Livers, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren. That's on top of their recent top-five pick in Ausar Thompson.
2. They have money to play with. That was first established when they made Monty Williams the highest-paid coach in the league on a six-year, $78.5 million contract, but they are also projected to have nearly $30 million in cap space heading into free agency.
The Pistons - in a quick shoutout to Hannah Montana - could get the best of both worlds in former Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.
Johnson (27 years of age) is very familiar with Williams, as he was drafted by Phoenix in 2019 and helped the Suns reach heights such as the 2021 NBA Finals and a 64 win regular season, all under the guidance of Detroit's newest head coach.
Before being included in the massive trade package that saw Kevin Durant land in the Valley, Johnson and the Suns were unable to reach an extension. Now, the Brooklyn Nets will have the opportunity to match any offer Johnson receives in free agency.
The Athletic's James L. Edwards III believes Johnson is a prime target for Detroit in free agency, and there could be a massive payday waiting for the wing.
"There have been reports that the Nets plan to offer Johnson a four-year, $84 million deal. Detroit, which plans to make a run at Johnson, league sources tell The Athletic, can make Brooklyn sweat," said Edwards.
"If the Pistons offer a four-year, $100 million contract, the Nets surely would have to think about it. A deal with an average annual value of $25 million per year isn’t bad for someone of Johnson’s skill set, even if the upside isn’t there. Detroit can offer that comfortably — and a little bit more."
Reuniting with Williams could be beneficial for both parties, though the Nets could easily match their offer and keep Johnson in Brooklyn with best bud Mikal Bridges.
