Hornets dodged a bullet not pursuing Cameron Johnson

Just when people thought all the wheeling and dealing was over in the 2024 offseason, three teams surprised the league when they consummated a trade highlighted by Brandon Ingram moving to the Utah Jazz, the Brooklyn Nets landing John Collins and a 2025 first-round pick, and the New Orleans Pelicans getting Walker Kessler and Cameron Johnson.

Interestingly, Johnson was tabbed as a perfect trade candidate for the Charlotte Hornets earlier this summer. The 2019 draft lottery pick would have slotted well into the Hornet's frontcourt because of his 3-and-D skills.

As it turned out, Charlotte may not have been that enamored with the former Nets forward. Or maybe it just didn't have the right assets to acquire him.

Hornets needed to part ways with draft capital to get Cameron Johnson

Would Johnson have been a great fit for the Hornets? The likely answer to that question is affirmative because of his ability to knock down outside shots efficiently, create shots for himself when needed, and respectably defend at least three positions.

Charlotte has also had a quiet offseason that seems to show the team is no closer to contending. The organization's most notable moves were drafting what could be a long-term project in Tidjane Salaun and re-signing Miles Bridges, which some people see as embarrassing.

Bringing in Johnson would have provided a little more optimism for the Hornets faithful.

However, seeing what Brooklyn got out of the recent three-team deal, it appears the squad would have had to part ways with a player of Ingram's caliber or a first-round pick. Moreover, a straight-up trade with the Nets would have required Charlotte to send several players because of the former Phoenix Suns forward's contract that would pay him at least $22.5 million next season.

In some ways, the five-year veteran probably could have proven to be worth it. But given that he is turning 29 in the middle of the 2024-25 regular season and that it might be in the Hornets' best interest not to rush their rebuild, they did well to stay put and not be involved in the Cam Johnson sweepstakes.

A question now for the coaching staff is who to include in the starting lineup alongside presumptive starters LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Bridges, and Mark Williams. Johnson certainly would have gotten that spot had he been shipped to Charlotte.