NBA Trade Rumors: Ja Morant-led Grizzlies and 1 top West contender could face major roadblock in $22.5M wing's pursuit

Western Conference contenders, the Ja Morant-led Memphis Grizzlies and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's OKC Thunder, are eyeing Cam Johnson ahead of the deadline. Already significantly talented and young, both teams want to upgrade their athleticism, defense, and shooting by adding the Nets wing.

While the Grizzlies and Thunder have contracts that match Johnson's $22.5 million salary, the stumbling block in a potential trade could be the Nets' asking price. According to NBA trade rumors, league sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst that their asking price remains high for Johnson.

"Johnson is arguably the one legitimate difference-making player who could change teams over the next several weeks," Windhorst reported on Friday.

The Nets aren't adamant about trading Johnson right away. They know the Grizzlies and Thunder have the draft picks to make them a lucrative offer for the 6-foot-8 wing. However, if Memphis and OKC feel they can use the same assets for a star player, their pursuit of Johnson could be impacted in this trade cycle.

The Nets have the leverage to demand the price they want for Cam Johnson, as he still has two years and $43 million left on his deal.

---

NBA Trade Rumors: Ja Morant's Grizzlies face more competition for Cam Johnson

The Brooklyn Nets might earn significant players and assets in return for Cam Johnson. Several teams are eyeing the 3-and-D forward, and most are in a position that sees them one win move away from threatening to become title contenders. Ja Morant's Grizzlies and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Thunder aren't the only ones eyeing Johnson.

According to the latest NBA Trade Rumors, the league's best record holders, the Cleveland Cavaliers, are also looking to upgrade their wing depth with Johnson. Here's what The Atheltic's Joe Vardon said:

"Executives from three franchises told The Athletic that Cleveland has expressed interest in acquiring 6-foot-8 forward Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets — one of the most coveted players league-wide in the trade market — with the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline fast approaching."

The Cavaliers already have a top-five starting lineup, with Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley as their four best players. Adding Johnson could put them on par with the defending champions, the Boston Celtics.