The Phoenix Suns had plenty to talk about over the offseason, but even through the early stages of the regular season, the contract status of Cam Johnson has been debated.
Johnson and the team failed to reach an agreement on an extension prior to the beginning of the season, signaling his destiny as a restricted free agent next season.
“Negotiations are interesting, especially when ownership is unclear," Johnson said afterwards.
Johnson was adamant he loves the team, fans and city of Phoenix and wants to stay. The Suns seem to like him, too. Johnson was plugged into Jae Crowder's starting spot to begin the year.
Worried about Johnson leaving and finding new threads next year?Here's what B/R offered on Johnson's contract status when the dust settles:
Cam Johnson's Flight Risk is Low Next Offseason
"The Phoenix Suns showed some level of commitment to Cameron Johnson when they signaled he'd start over Jae Crowder this offseason. They didn't waver when Crowder requested a trade just prior to the start of the campaign," said Andy Bailey.
"But not coming to terms on an extension is mildly concerning, and it's something that has come back to bite teams in the past.
"The most notable recent example is Gordon Hayward, who played well enough in the final season of his rookie contract to earn a max offer from the Charlotte Hornets the following summer that was a bit shorter than what the Utah Jazz could've given him. Utah matched the offer, but Hayward bolted as soon as it expired.
"Phoenix may now be at the outset of a similar situation with Deandre Ayton, who signed an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers this past summer.
"Doing that again with Johnson, a reliable defender who's shot 42.1 percent from three since the start of last season, is dangerous. At least in the long run.
"For now, restricted free agency is Phoenix's friend. And it has the ability to match any offer Johnson might get in the coming offseason. As far as the immediate future goes, the chances of Johnson leaving are slim.
"Flight Risk: Low"
Despite suffering a sprained finger in preseason, Johnson has played in all fives games during Phoenix's 4-1 start. He's averaging 11.2 points per night along with 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one steal.
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