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Cam Johnson has become a crucial part of the Phoenix Suns, who finished last season with the best record in the NBA after reaching the NBA Finals in 2021. One of the reasons why Phoenix has been so good is the impressive depth of its roster.
At the heart of that depth was Cam Johnson. The 26-year-old forward has become an underrated piece of the puzzle for the Suns. Just last season, Phoenix finished last season with a franchise record of 64-18 and was the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
It seemed as if Phoenix was destined to return to the NBA Finals. However, the team was upset by Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the second round.
During that season, Johnson cemented himself as a key piece of the Suns' core, averaging 12.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. The outside-shooting threat also shot 46.0%, including 42.5% from 3-point range. With Johnson's game on the rise, the Suns knew they would eventually have to extend their talented wing.
Johnson was off to a strong start this season as well until a knee injury sidelined him for at least a month. According to a report from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Suns had discussed a contract extension with Johnson. Scotto reported that Phoenix talked with Johnson before the season about a contract in the ballpark of four years and between $66-72 million:
"The Phoenix Suns discussed a contract extension spanning four years between $66 and $72 million with forward Cameron Johnson at different points before the start of the season."
Phoenix Suns await the return of Cam Johnson
The Phoenix Suns have the talent to be a force in the Western Conference this year. After an impressive 2021-22 campaign, the Suns will be motivated to bounce back and make a push towards the NBA Finals.
If they are going to accomplish that, they will need all hands on deck. That includes their valuable rotation asset in Cam Johnson. Phoenix has done a great job over the years of building out its depth.
With superstars Chris Paul and Devin Booker running the show, the Suns have needed complementary pieces around them. Phoenix veteran Jae Crowder was a big part of that puzzle, but he has requested a trade and has yet to appear in a game this season. That has proved to be costly for the Suns with Johnson's injury.
Phoenix (8-5), coming off a 113-112 loss to the Miami Heat on Monday night, will look to bounce back on Wednesday at home against the Golden State Warriors (6-8).
From there, Phoenix will have a promising stretch of games. The team will hit the road to take on the Utah Jazz (10-5) before beginning a four-game homestand.
Guess the Lakers players!
