What to Expect From Potential Cam Johnson Extension
Now that we're past the first level of drama surrounding the Phoenix Suns, we're nearly to the finish line.
However, two things still stand in the way of the Suns and somewhat finding peace: Jae Crowder and Cam Johnson.
Crowder's situation will hopefully be resolved soon via trade, while Phoenix hopes to reach an agreement with Johnson on a new deal before Monday's deadline to set rosters for the upcoming season.
Contract talks, at least in the public view, haven't reached levels of drama that are noteworthy, as both sides have played the good guy card.
"I love what we have been able to accomplish as a team," Johnson said at Media Day.
"I'm looking forward to continuing that. The way that it stands, I have a year left on my contract, and that is the year I am playing right now. I am super excited to be here. I am super excited for the opportunity. I love this team, I love our guys, and I'm ready to start training camp and get back to work."
ESPN's Bobby Marks recently published a piece that went through various extension decisions that will be decided on soon. Here's what was offered on Johnson's situation in Phoenix:
"With Jae Crowder requesting a trade, Johnson is in line to start along with Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton. Last season, those five played 42 minutes together, and the Suns recorded a plus-29.5 net efficiency in those limited minutes," said Marks.
"In 16 starts last season, Johnson averaged 16.3 points on 49% from 3 compared to 11.2 points in his 50 games off the bench. According to Cleaning the Glass, Johnson played 68% of his minutes at power forward last season. Johnson shot 43.3% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season, third best among 73 players with 250 attempts per Second Spectrum tracking, trailing only Luke Kennard and Desmond Bane."
Marks then dove into three different trains of thought: Why a deal would get done, why a deal wouldn't get done, and ultimately what to expect out of a new deal for Johnson.
Why a Deal Will Get Done
"Let's start with leverage. The Suns all but handed the starting power forward job to Johnson with the news that Crowder would sit out training camp while awaiting a trade. Johnson's stats -- and thus his future salary -- will likely only increase with a full-time role this season. The Ayton saga aside, the Suns' front office has also been aggressive in the past in signing their own players to extensions, reaching deals with both Mikal Bridges and Landry Shamet last year."
Why a Deal Won't Get Done
"Does the Suns front office have the authority to spend into the future? That question will get answered by Monday. Owner Robert Sarver is not only suspended for the season, but the Suns are now for sale. There is also the thought that Johnson could bet on himself if he is not willing to compromise on a new contract. Johnson projects to be one of the top forwards in next year's free agent class."
What to Expect From an Extension
"Do not expect a new Johnson contract to surpass the four-year, $90 million extension that Bridges agreed to last October, even with the cap increasing. Bridges had 160 career starts at the time of the extension, compared to 36 for Johnson. However, do not be surprised if the Johnson contract is in the four-year, $85 million range with a starting salary of $19 million. Based on a $134 million salary cap, the salary in the first year is comparable to Davis Bertans, Duncan Robinson and Marcus Morris Sr."
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