Cam Johnson hoping to stay with Nets: 'I want to build this'

Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson addressed his ongoing trade speculation, saying he wants to stay with the franchise.

"I want to build this," Johnson told HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "I really like coach (Jordi Fernandez). I like our staff. I think we're headed in the right direction. I can't tell them exactly what to do and how to proceed. The business will do what the business does. I don't take it personally either way."

Johnson added, "I'm invested in what we have. It's been exciting to find progress and to see the potential. I want to be here and get this thing really turned around and back to winning basketball. I think we have the group to do it, and I think we have the assets and pieces to do it. Whatever they decide, no hard feelings."

Johnson has been on fire this season, averaging 18.1 points on 49% shooting from the field, along with 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists. The 28-year-old is also in the top 10 for made three-pointers, knocking down 65 shots from deep across 21 games.

With three years still left on his contract, Johnson entered the campaign seen as a trade candidate for the rebuilding Nets. However, Brooklyn has been more competitive than expected, going 9-13 over the season's first quarter.

The Nets acquired Johnson in the Kevin Durant blockbuster trade during the 2022-23 season. Brooklyn parted ways with the other big player from that deal, sending Mikal Bridges to the crosstown rival New York Knicks over the offseason.