Nets-Pacers Cam Johnson Deal Would 'Likely' Include Mathurin or Walker

Brooklyn may look to the Indiana Pacers as a trade partner.

Jan 6, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) brings the ball up court against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) and guard Tyrese Martin (13) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Three days ago, Bennedict Mathurin posted 20 points in 31 minutes of action during the Indiana Pacers 113-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

After showing out at the Barclays Center, Forbes' Evan Sidery reports that the arena may soon be Mathurin's home.

Jan 6, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

"If the Pacers want to acquire Cam Johnson from the Nets, and they’re rumored to be a trade suitor, it will likely take Bennedict Mathurin or Jarace Walker being included," Sidery wrote on X. "Last year, Indiana was unwilling to offer either prospect in trade talks with the Raptors for Pascal Siakam."

Indiana infamously swung a deal for Siakam, a two-time All-Star, before reaching the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals and getting swept by the Boston Celtics.

It appears the Pacers are looking to gear up for another playoff run, possibly landing Johnson in exchange for one of their younger pieces.

Mathurin would be the home-run move. If Sean Marks pulls that off, the Nets would have another lethal scorer alongside Cam Thomas. But now in his third NBA season, it's clear what the former sixth overall selection has to offer.

Walker is far more of a wildcard.

Dec 4, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Shake Milton (7) as he drives to the basket against Milton and forward Cameron Johnson (2) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Once a star at Houston, Walker too was a top-10 selection in his respective draft but has struggled to find his footing through 71 appearances.

The potential is there, but the 21-year-old has yet to realize it.

If Marks is unable to snag Mathurin, ample draft capital must be attached to Walker to woo the GM enough to move off of Johnson.

Regardless of the package, suitors for Brooklyn's veteran scorer just continue to pile up.

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