Knicks consider trade for Nets' Cam Johnson

The New York Knicks may make big changes to their team this summer if they do not perform well in the playoffs. Star players Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are unlikely to be traded. As a result, OG Anunoby, a talented two-way player, could be the most sensible trading option. Anunoby has a high salary, almost $40 million for the next season and $136.3 million over the following three years. This could limit the Knicks' ability to build a stronger team around Brunson and Towns. A more cost-effective option could be Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets, whose contract is $20.5 million for the 2025-26 season and expires in 2027. Johnson is known for his scoring ability, which is something the Knicks need. Although Anunoby is a better defender, the Knicks have other strong defenders like Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. Swapping Anunoby for Johnson would be financially beneficial for the Knicks, but it will be tricky to execute. The Knicks would likely need to involve a third team in the deal, and the Detroit Pistons could be a good candidate. The Pistons might want Anunoby and be willing to trade Tobias Harris, whose contract ends after next season. Adding Anunoby could help Detroit become more competitive. If Brooklyn were involved, they might want young player Jaden Ivey from Detroit. Though Ivey is recovering from an injury, he is only 23 and could fit well into Brooklyn's future plans. A potential three-team trade could involve sending Anunoby to Detroit, Harris and Ivey to Brooklyn, and Johnson to New York. However, the Nets may hesitate to take on Harris's contract for a year unless they can get Ivey. In the past, Brooklyn has sought high returns for Johnson, so this deal may not be sufficient. The Knicks should consider other strategies to trade Anunoby for Johnson in order to improve their team.