Orlando Magic Eye Cameron Johnson as Potential Trade Target to Boost 3-Point Game
The Orlando Magic, currently sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 24-23 record, are reportedly considering a trade for Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson to bolster their struggling outside shooting. Despite a season marred by injuries to key players, Orlando has weathered the storm but is trending downward with a 3-8 record over their last 11 games.
A major issue for the Magic has been their 3-point shooting, ranking last in the NBA for both 3-pointers made (11.2) and 3-point percentage (30.5%). As a result, the team is reportedly looking at ways to address this weakness before the February 6 trade deadline. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Magic are among the “sleeper teams” that could pursue Johnson, although he acknowledges that a deal is unlikely.
Siegel confirmed that, while a trade involving guard Cole Anthony is less likely in recent weeks, the Magic may still explore smaller moves. The team’s focus has shifted toward evaluating their current roster, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner recently returning from injury. Banchero, who was out for 34 games, and Wagner, who missed 20, rejoined the lineup in early January, and the Magic are keen to see how the team performs with their core back together before making any big trade decisions.
Johnson, who is having a career-best season, has been a hot commodity on the trade market. In 35 games, he is averaging 19.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.2 3-pointers per game while shooting an impressive 49.1% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc. His scoring and shooting prowess could be a valuable addition to Orlando’s lineup. Additionally, Johnson is in the second year of a four-year, $94.5 million contract, making him an affordable target for teams like the Magic.
Despite the ongoing trade rumors, Johnson remains focused on his current role with the Nets, who are in the early stages of a rebuild. The 28-year-old forward emphasized the importance of staying mentally strong and committed to his team, regardless of trade speculation.
“I just try to emotionally disconnect from that,” Johnson said. “I have to, for the sake of myself, and invest all that energy into the present and to the team that we have.”
While Johnson’s future with Brooklyn may be uncertain, with the Nets rebuilding for the long-term, his days in Brooklyn may be numbered. Whether with the Magic or another playoff-caliber team, his shooting ability makes him a valuable asset in the trade market.
