Just when it seemed that the 2024 offseason’s flurry of trades had subsided, three NBA teams jolted the league with a significant trade deal. The trade saw Brandon Ingram heading to the Utah Jazz, the Brooklyn Nets acquiring John Collins along with a 2025 first-round pick, and the New Orleans Pelicans landing Walker Kessler and Cameron Johnson.
Cameron Johnson, who was previously identified as a prime trade target for the Charlotte Hornets earlier this summer, appeared to be an ideal fit for the Hornets due to his impressive 3-and-D capabilities. The 2019 lottery pick was expected to bolster the Hornets’ frontcourt with his proficiency in shooting from beyond the arc, his ability to create his own shots, and his defensive versatility.
However, it seems that Charlotte might not have been as eager to pursue Johnson as initially thought. The Hornets possibly faced challenges either in terms of evaluating the value Johnson would bring or in assembling the necessary assets to make the trade happen.
To acquire Johnson, the Hornets would have needed to part with significant draft capital. His potential fit with the team was undeniable, given his skill set. Johnson’s knack for hitting three-point shots consistently, creating scoring opportunities for himself, and defending multiple positions would have addressed several of the Hornets’ needs.
Despite these advantages, Charlotte’s offseason moves have been relatively subdued, suggesting that the team is still far from being a serious contender. The Hornets’ most notable actions have included selecting Tidjane Salaun, a prospect viewed as a long-term project, and re-signing Miles Bridges—a move that has attracted some criticism.
The addition of Johnson could have injected a dose of optimism into the Hornets’ fan base. However, the specifics of the trade involving Johnson reveal that the Brooklyn Nets received a valuable package, including a first-round pick and a player of Ingram’s caliber. For the Hornets to match such a deal, they would have likely needed to part with significant assets, potentially including a high-value player or future draft picks.
Moreover, any direct trade with the Nets for Johnson would have required Charlotte to trade multiple players to match his contract, which is set at over $22.5 million for the next season. This financial and strategic burden might have been more than the Hornets were willing to undertake.
Considering Johnson’s contract and his age—turning 29 during the 2024-25 season—Charlotte’s decision to avoid the trade might reflect a strategic choice aligned with their longer-term rebuilding goals. Rushing the rebuild by acquiring a player like Johnson might not have been in the best interest of the Hornets.
As the team continues to evaluate its options, a pressing question for the coaching staff is how to configure the starting lineup. With LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams likely to be in the starting five, the absence of Johnson leaves the Hornets needing to fill his potential role. The team’s coaching staff will need to make critical decisions about who to slot into the lineup to maximize the team’s performance.
In summary, while Cameron Johnson could have been a valuable asset for the Hornets, the complexities of his acquisition and the team’s current strategic position suggest that staying out of the trade might have been a prudent choice. Charlotte’s focus appears to remain on long-term development rather than immediate improvements, making their decision not to pursue Johnson a calculated move in their ongoing rebuilding process.
