LAS VEGAS — The twins have split up.
Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges were so close, first in Phoenix and then in Brooklyn, that they were given the nickname “The Twins.”
Johnson played five seasons in the NBA.
He played in 283 games, including 38 in the playoffs.
He’s never done that without Bridges.
That’s about to change after the Nets traded Bridges to the rival Knicks last month, sending shock waves around the league, including to Johnson.
“I got an ESPN alert. I probably found out after the trade. I was probably one of the last people to find out. I found out through an ESPN alert,” said Johnson, who acknowledged it felt strange playing without Bridges for the first time since college.
“I think so, because I’ve played every game with him. But I think he’ll get better and I’ll get better too. I’m looking forward to playing against him.”
“You have to understand that this is a business and teams will do what’s in their interest and players will do what’s in their interest. Our relationship goes beyond basketball. It goes beyond the team. He’s my brother forever. I wish him the best. At the end of the day, that’s all it is except when he’s playing against us.”
Johnson was at the Las Vegas Summer League game between Brooklyn and the Clippers at Thomas & Mack Arena on Sunday.
Bridges was actually sitting courtside at the Nets’ season opener two days ago.
The Bridges trade (primarily swapping five first-round picks for picks) signals Brooklyn’s pivot from trying to compete to being all-in on rebuilding.
Johnson is still in discussions with Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks and new head coach Jordi Fernandez to work out exactly where he fits into this.
“I’m still trying to understand it,” Johnson said. “I’m still trying to figure it out.”
Johnson is one year into his four-year, $94 million contract and is one of the few veterans remaining, along with Dorian Finney-Smith.
Because of this, his name has been linked to various trade rumors.
Injuries limited Johnson to just 58 games this season, limiting his performance to just 13.4 points on .391 3-point shooting, but his height and 3-point range make the forward a valuable asset.
Both were with Phoenix before being traded to Brooklyn. NBAE via Getty Images
“I’m with the Brooklyn Nets now,” Johnson said. “Dorian is with the Brooklyn Nets now.” [Cam Thomas], [Trendon] Watford, we’re the Nets now, so that’s the group that we’re focused on. And if something happens, something happens. But that’s how we keep the main thing the main thing.
“In the meantime, there’s a lot to work on and focus on. So I’m having conversations with Jordi and the guys as if I’m 100% part of the team from start to finish. That’s where I want to be right now and I’m OK with that.”
Johnson, meanwhile, insists an offseason full of uncertainty hasn’t weighed on him.
“Not at all,” Johnson said. “I just felt like I had enough to worry about just working on myself, my body, my game. I just needed to take the time in the offseason to get myself mentally ready for next season and then whatever happens, happens.”
“I think Brooklyn has a good group that can really develop. There’s a lot of talented players in this building. Looking at the players that Jalen has. [Wilson],Noah [Clowney]Darik [Whitehead]They’re getting better every day. I’ve practiced with Watt and Connecticut, so the pieces are in place. If I stay in Brooklyn, I’m excited to play my hardest and help this team grow. That’s what’s on my mind right now.”
