The Nets may be getting an away gift as they prepare for a six-game trip to the West.
After the Nets lost 113-98 to the Pistons at Barclays Center on Wednesday night, head coach Jordi Fernandez said he believed Cam Johnson would return from his ankle sprain and play against the Nuggets starting Friday. He said he is doing so.
“We believe so. But again, we're not going to rush anything. Every time we get cleared and feel better,” Fernandez said. “He's young, but he's a vet so I trust him. I don't want him to risk anything too early. I want it to be 100 percent. So he's going to make us better. He's going to make us compete better and that's going to only help the rest of the teams in the group. It feels good. He's working. It's really good to have him around.”
Johnson, a sixth-year forward, has missed three games since injuring his ankle Jan. 2 against the Bucks when Giare Williams fell on a teammate's foot while collecting a rebound late in the game. are.
Williams and Jalen Wilson will take over in Johnson's absence, with Cam Thomas (hamstring) and Ben Simmons (calf strain and lower back management) also missing the past three games.
D'Angelo Russell also missed the past two games, playing only the first half against the 76ers on Saturday.
The No. 11 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has been the subject of several trade rumors, with the Kings, Pacers, and Thunder reportedly showing interest ahead of the February 6th deadline, and Johnson's availability. Possibilities and travel plans were once again in question.
According to Jake Fischer, there have also been reports linking Johnson to the Grizzlies and Lakers.
Nets Daily reported that officials said all rumors about Johnson were “inaccurate.”
Johnson is in the midst of a four-year, $94.5 million contract, and the 28-year-old forward is averaging 19.5 points, shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 43.6 percent from beyond the arc.
The Nets are not expected to let Johnson go easily, and the deal likely includes two first-round picks or something of equal value.
Tyrese Martin will play for the second consecutive season and fourth time with the Nets. He achieved his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds (career high).
Noah Clowney's career-high 29-point night made the 20-year-old forward the youngest Nets player in franchise history to have at least 25 points, five rebounds and five 3-pointers in a game. .
