The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the biggest surprise in the NBA this season, taking the league by storm with their 36-6 start to the season. They have a case for four All-Stars in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Their bench is in the top ten in scoring and is led by Ty Jerome, Caris LeVert, and Max Strus.
However, one weakness that the Cavs have is the lack of a true wing player on the roster. They do have guys like LeVert, Strus, Isaac Okoro, and Dean Wade, but outside of Wade, Cleveland does not have a 6’9” wing on the roster. Most of their wing players are guys playing up a position.
That weakness has been exposed in the Cavs’ losses against the Hawks, Pacers, and Thunder, all teams with a lot of length at the forward spot, and that have given Cleveland trouble. However, they do have interest in a certain forward that could help plug their weakness.
The Cavs have interest in Cam Johnson and should do whatever it takes to acquire him.
Johnson is enjoying a career season with Brooklyn this year, averaging career highs in points per game (19.4) and field-goal percentage (49.1%). He is very close to 50/40/90 efficiency as well and has been a two-way force for the Nets.
Johnson’s playstyle is great for any contender, hence his heavy interest around the league, as he is not a ball-dominant player, shoots the three-ball well (41.9% this season), and is a good cutter. Defensively, he is very good at using his length to get into passing lanes (two deflections per game) and is strong at the point of attack.
Cleveland could use Johnson’s skill set, and he fits seamlessly on this roster. The Cavs have feasted offensively on off-ball movement and putting up a lot of threes, two things Johnson does extremely well.
Defensively, he gives them another bigger body to deal with the likes of Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Johnson, Pascal Siakam, and other bigger frontcourt players come playoff time.
The Cavs are reportedly hesitant to make a move that will disrupt locker room chemistry, a big reason for their historic start. Johnson also might be a little too rich for their blood given Brooklyn’s asking price.
However, Cleveland is also trying to win a championship and that requires sacrifice. Johnson is exactly what they need to get to the next level and it is just a matter of will the Cavs do whatever it takes to acquire him.