Scotto’s Newest: C. Johnson, Nuggets, Bulls, Ingram, Pelicans, Poeltl

The “rising perception” within the NBA that it’ll take multiple first-round decide to maneuver ahead Cameron Johnson away from networks On account of his stable play this season and the regressive/flat construction of his team-friendly contract Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Johnson has a base wage of $22.5 million this season, $20.5 million in 2025/26, and $22.5 million in 26/27.

Nonetheless, Johnson’s deal additionally contains improbably massive incentives price $4.5 million this season, $4.1 million subsequent season, and $4.5 million in 26/27. These incentives don’t have an effect on the apron, which complicates issues for a possible scholar dealing with a hard and fast cap, e.g Warriors.

Golden State and Brooklyn mentioned Johnson earlier than agreeing to their deal Dennis Schroeder Commerce, however these talks had been all the time thought of exploratory and Jonathan KumingaTheir identify wasn’t a part of them,” Scotto says. Among the many Pacific qualifier hopefuls, Kings He could also be a extra severe suitor for Johnson, he has lengthy expressed, Scotto notes.

Listed here are among the extra fascinating tidbits from Scotto:

• There may be “rising pessimism” that Fragments and Bulls We are going to make a deal centered round it Zach LaVine and Michael Porter JrLeague sources inform HoopsHype. As Scotto explains, Chicago does not wish to take over Zeke NnajiHe is on a four-year contract and does not wish to hand over belongings to get a 3rd crew to take him. Nonetheless, Denver could have to amass Nnaji for wage matching functions and should not have the capital wanted to incentivize a 3rd crew to amass him.
• Verify a Previous report that jazz and Swans Talk about briefly Brandon Ingram Earlier than making it clear he did not wish to signal long-term at Utah State, Scotto says the 2 groups “mentioned” the concept of ​​a bundle that will have included John Collins And the compensation venture earlier than the failure of the talks.
• Scotto additionally confirms that Swans He’ll look to maneuver away from luxurious tax territory by transferring one or two gamers earlier than February 6. Assuming New Orleans is ready to open up a roster spot and has sufficient room beneath the tax line, the crew could be prepared to improve a two-way participant. Brandon Boston Scotto provides to his normal checklist.
• Though Toronto didn’t make the beginning middle Jacob Poeltl With a commerce, Scotto writes, groups within the NBA are monitoring the scenario in case that scenario adjustments earlier than February 6. the Raptors We predict Poeltl, who’s beneath contract till a minimum of 2026, suits in along with his younger core, in accordance with Scotto, who suggests an inflection level might come this summer time, when the large man turns into eligible for an extension once more.
• In case you missed it, we have rounded up extra of the most recent Scotto rumors over at Separate story Give attention to Pacific groups.