10 Impending NBA free agents who could earn a payday down the stretch

10. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

Cameron Johnson was poised for a breakout season in 2022-23. A meniscus tear shortly into the season put that on pause, but Johnson looked solid upon returning in February. He was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in the blockbuster deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns, and the young forward has played some eye-catching basketball since.

In 10 games thus far, all of which he has started, Johnson has averaged 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. As he continues settling into his new environment, Johnson’s breakout could truly take off. The Nets are still firmly in the Eastern Conference’s playoff picture, and a strong showing from Johnson down the stretch could help solidify that.

As the Nets try to find some stability amid a massive roster shakeup over the past year, Johnson could be a long-term building block for this team. To retain the soon-to-be restricted free agent, the Nets will have to give Johnson a raise. Once his $5.9 million deal expires after this season, he has a qualifying offer worth $8 million, but Johnson is bound to get more than that. Johnson has the potential to be a star, so his free agent market should be quite bountiful.