NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors keeping tab on Pacers' $33,000,000 forward as Cam Johnson deal heats up

The Golden State Warriors are looking to bolster their roster in the 2024-25 NBA season. One trade rumor the team has been monitoring involves Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. However, Golden State isn't interested in acquiring the Nets player; instead, it is looking to make a move for an Indiana Pacers forward.

Per NBA Insider Brett Siegel, a potential trade involving Johnson could involve the Pacers' Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith. The Nets aren't interested in taking significant salaries, so Siegel reports that Golden State is attentive to absorbing Nesmith, who has two more years left (after the 2024-25 season) in his three-year, $33 million deal.

However, there hasn't been any progress regarding a potential trade involving the Pacers and the Nets. Siegel reported that there have been a few discussions, "much like how Brooklyn is fielding calls from a variety of teams for Johnson."

The insider pointed out that if a trade does happen between the two organizations, a third team might get involved. His potential addition to the Warriors' roster would solve the shooting guard issue left by De'Anthony Melton. He can also bolster their outside shooting as he's a 54.5 percent shooter from deep.

"Aside from his talents on the court, Nesmith's contract allows him to be an asset in possible future trade discussions for a team like the Warriors, who will be hunting for superstar talents who become available over the next few seasons," Siegel wrote.

The ideal trade for the three teams involved would look like this:

Golden State will receive Nesmith and Day'Ron Sharpe. Meanwhile, the Pacers will get Johnson and Kevon Looney. That leaves the Nets with Toppin, Gary Payton II and draft capital.

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The Warriors need all the help with Jonathan Kuminga's recent injury

Golden State will be a short-handed team until Jonathan Kuminga returns from injury. Per The Athletic's Anthony Slater, Kuminga is expected to miss at least three weeks due to a significant lateral ankle sprain.

“Jonathan Kuminga will be re-evaluated in three weeks, I’m told. Sprained right ankle. Tough blow for Kuminga and the Warriors at a time he was surging. Rules him out of the next 11 games,” Slater reported.

Kuminga is the team's second-leading scorer with 16.8 points per game, so his absence will be felt. The forward has been effective on both ends, even though he recently came off the bench.

In December, he averaged 21.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Jonathan Kuminga has had multiple high-scoring games coming off the bench this season.