As a veteran coming off a career year — but mired on a rebuilding team — Cam Johnson knows the business enough to figure he’ll come up in trade talks.
What he’ll want to know from Nets GM Sean Marks is how he fits into the team’s future plans, whether he’s going to help them win as a leader or as a trade chip.
“Definitely, definitely go to him and ask, because I have a very vested interest in what we’re doing here,” Johnson said. “I feel like I’ve put a lot of effort into trying to be a part of this program. And I take that very seriously. And I feel like I’ve also been given a responsibility to have that approach.
“I’d definitely like to know everything that’s going on. And I understand that I’m not going to be let in on every decision or have a say in every decision, but I would like to know going forward. But it is also my job to at this point work on myself, get better, and handle whatever comes along being a pro in the situation.”
Johnson posted 18.8 points on .475/.390/.893 shooting splits. At 29, he could be the key in a trade for a star, a trade asset to get draft picks or stay as a veteran leader.
“There was no shortage of teams calling on [Johnson]. He’s a good player, and they value him, but so do we,” Marks said. “I can’t think of a pathway or a team or an organization that Cam doesn’t fit in. There’s so many ways you can build this with Cam Johnson.”
The Nets have a host of free agents.
Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, Ziaire Williams, Tyson Etienne and Reece Beekman are restricted. Trendon Watford is unrestricted, while Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, Jalen Wilson, Drew Timme have team options that have to be exercised by June 29.
The Nets have an exclusive window starting the day after the NBA Finals to lock up Thomas, Sharpe and Williams before free agency even starts.
“I’m new to this so whatever happens, happens. But I like Brooklyn, so God willing [I’ll be back],” Sharpe said.
Two sources who spoke with The Post tabbed his value at $20 million annually while Spotrac suggested he’ll re-sign for three years and $45 million.
“It’s not really nothing for me to be intimidated or excited about because I know my value that I bring to a team. I’ve just got to see how that goes,” Thomas said. “But I definitely know my value and all my work.”
Nic Claxton said his back issues persisted the entire season, but should not need any procedure this summer.
“Yeah I still need to get right. It’s still bothering me honestly. But we got the whole offseason. I was still able to play 70 games, so that’s a blessing,” Claxton said. “So, I have time to lock in on it this summer.
“I’m going to get it right. I’ve got a plan. No surgeries or anything though.”
