Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Scotto: The Phoenix Suns discussed a contract extension spanning four years between $66 and $72 million with forward Cameron Johnson at different points before the start of the season, league sources told HoopsHype.
In years past, shooters such as Davis Bertans, Joe Harris, and Duncan Robinson have all earned average annual salaries around that range. However, with the salary cap expected to rise significantly, and given Johnson’s prominent role on a championship contender, some around the league believe he can surpass those figures with a good season.
After being promoted to a full-time starter, Johnson was shooting a career-high 43.1 percent from 3-point range before suffering a torn meniscus that required surgery and will reportedly keep him out for 1-2 months.
Looking ahead, it’s worth noting the Suns previously extended Mikal Bridges on a four-year, $90 million deal, and there are executives around the league who don’t believe the Suns want to go anywhere near that range to keep Cam Johnson, who turns 27 in March.
Gozlan: It’s been announced he’s going to do the trim, so he’s only going to miss 1-2 months. Even if he was to do a repair and be out for the year, I’d still think he’d get around those figures you mentioned. Collin Sexton just went through that after having a torn meniscus and was out all of last year. He got four years and $72 million. I think no matter what, Johnson’s looking at that type of floor.
You mentioned some of those shooters like Bertans, Harris, and Robinson. He’s better than all of those guys. He’s more athletic. Besides being a shooter, he’s better at creating his shot than those guys.
I wonder how much they prioritized extending him because now that he’s not extended, he’s much easier to trade. They could easily trade him if needed.
