NBA Trade Rumors: OKC Thunder shifts focus from $23,625,000 forward to 7'1" star center's comeback from injury

Leading up to the Feb. 6 trade deadline, the OKC Thunder have been linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, who is on a $23.6 million contract. With Johnson averaging a career-high 19.6 points per game on a career-best 49.9% from the field, he has been one of the most widely discussed players ahead of the deadline.

According to Jake Fischer, also known as The People's Insider, of The Stein Line, the Thunder isn't focused on acquiring Johnson. Instead, the team is reportedly preparing for the return of 7-foot-1 star Chet Holmgren, who is set to be re-evaluated in 3-5 weeks.

While it could be another month before Holmgren returns, the big man picked up right where he left off last season before going down with an injury, averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game on 50.5% shooting.

Additionally, the team is looking forward to the return of center Isaiah Hartenstein, who is dealing with a calf strain and is expected to miss another week.

Given that OKC has proven to be one of the best teams in the NBA this season, the team is reportedly prioritizing returning players over outside acquisitions. As a result, general manager Sam Presti reportedly plans to stand pat at the deadline.

Looking at potential landing spots for Cam Johnson amid news of OKC Thunder's plans to stand pat at deadline

With the OKC Thunder no longer interested in shaking up their roster, the question now becomes where Cam Johnson will land before the deadline. After the Brooklyn Nets shipped Dennis Schroder to Golden State and both Dorian Finney-Smith and Bones Hyland to LA, the team appears to be actively selling at the deadline.

According to Jake Fischer, the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings are in the hunt for Johnson's services.

With the Pacers pushing their way into fifth place in the Eastern Conference after winning eight of their last 10 and Sacramento moving into ninth amid an 8-2 stretch of their own, both teams could use Johnson's services.

Additionally, according to The Athletic's Joe Vardon, there have been whispers of the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers making a move for Johnson before the deadline as well. Acquiring Johnson would further cement them as the favorites to come out of the East.

With less than three weeks to go until the deadline, only time will tell where Johnson lands.