NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Eye $28 Million Nets Star After Contract Rejection, Looking to Boost Title Hopes for 2025

The NBA rumor mill is churning again, and the Milwaukee Bucks are firmly in the mix as they eye roster upgrades for the 2025 season. According to multiple league insiders, the Bucks have shown serious interest in acquiring a high-impact player from the Brooklyn Nets—one who recently declined a substantial contract extension worth $28 million. This has opened the door for a potential trade that could dramatically reshape Milwaukee’s path toward championship contention.

The player in question? None other than Cam Johnson, the sharpshooting forward who’s developed into one of the league’s more coveted stretch fours.

A Bold Move Brewing in Milwaukee

The Bucks are reportedly exploring trade options to add more youth, versatility, and perimeter shooting to their aging core. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the centerpiece, but the front office recognizes that time is of the essence. After a turbulent 2024 campaign filled with coaching changes, playoff disappointment, and underwhelming chemistry between Giannis and Damian Lillard, Milwaukee’s brass is looking for a complementary player who can fit seamlessly into the lineup.

Cam Johnson, known for his elite three-point shooting and high basketball IQ, checks a lot of boxes. His ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions makes him an attractive fit alongside Giannis and Khris Middleton. With Johnson reportedly turning down a $28 million extension from the Brooklyn Nets, sources close to the situation believe the forward is looking for a fresh start—and the Bucks could offer just that.

Johnson’s Fit in Milwaukee’s System

Milwaukee’s offensive struggles, particularly in crunch time, have been well-documented. While Lillard added scoring punch, the Bucks often lacked a consistent wing threat to help alleviate the pressure from their stars. Cam Johnson could be the missing puzzle piece.

He averaged 14.2 points per game last season while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. He’s a proven playoff performer and brings high character and leadership—qualities the Bucks have valued in recent years with players like Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez.

More importantly, Johnson doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. His off-ball movement and ability to catch-and-shoot make him a natural fit next to ball-dominant stars like Giannis and Lillard.

Why the Nets May Be Willing to Deal

For the Brooklyn Nets, this potential trade could be less about parting with talent and more about embracing a youth-driven rebuild. With Mikal Bridges already gone, Brooklyn may be fully transitioning into a new era. Johnson’s decision to reject a contract extension hints at mutual understanding—he wants to compete for titles, and the Nets may not be ready to offer that opportunity.

Johnson is under team control for one more season, giving the Nets leverage to negotiate a return package that includes draft picks or young players. Milwaukee, despite having fewer assets than other suitors, could sweeten the pot by offering immediate contributors like Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, or even Bobby Portis.

Bucks Front Office Strategy

President Jon Horst has a track record of making bold trades—just look at the acquisition of Damian Lillard last offseason. While that move had mixed results, it signaled Milwaukee’s willingness to take risks to stay in the championship conversation.

Trading for Cam Johnson wouldn’t be as headline-grabbing as acquiring Lillard, but it could prove just as impactful. Johnson’s versatility and youth would help future-proof the roster and signal a willingness to adapt the team’s identity for the modern game.

And while $28 million may seem steep for a player who’s not a primary scorer, the Bucks understand that wing depth is at a premium in today’s NBA. Johnson’s ability to guard 2-through-4 and space the floor aligns perfectly with Milwaukee’s needs heading into the 2025 season.

The Salary Cap and Luxury Tax Implications

Adding a $28 million salary would push Milwaukee deep into luxury tax territory, but that’s the price of competing in a league where parity is fleeting and championship windows close fast. The Bucks already have major contracts tied up in Giannis, Lillard, and Middleton. Ownership would have to sign off on a deal for Johnson, signaling a strong commitment to a win-now approach.

Still, the potential trade could be structured creatively. For instance, Milwaukee could package a combination of expiring contracts and mid-tier salaries to match the incoming money. Connaughton, Portis, and Beauchamp are all tradeable pieces that could be moved to make a deal work under the cap.

Locker Room Impact

One underappreciated aspect of this rumored deal is Johnson’s locker room demeanor. Known as a “glue guy,” Johnson’s work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to play his role would fit in well with Milwaukee’s culture. Following the departure of Jrue Holiday, the Bucks have been searching for steady veteran leadership to maintain continuity in the locker room. Johnson could fill that void without stepping on the toes of the team’s top stars.

Potential Starting Five with Cam Johnson

If the trade goes through, here’s a look at how the Bucks’ starting five might shape up:

• PG: Damian Lillard

• SG: Khris Middleton

• SF: Cam Johnson

• PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo

• C: Brook Lopez

This lineup boasts elite shooting, defensive versatility, and enough playoff experience to make a serious run at the Eastern Conference crown. With Cam Johnson providing a reliable third or fourth scoring option, the Bucks could reduce wear and tear on Giannis and Lillard during the regular season.

Competition for Johnson’s Services

Milwaukee isn’t the only team interested in Cam Johnson. Sources indicate that the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers have also expressed interest. All three teams see Johnson as a plug-and-play wing who can elevate their championship odds.

However, Milwaukee offers a unique selling point—Johnson would have a clear role, title contention, and the opportunity to play alongside two top-20 players in Giannis and Lillard.

Timeline for a Potential Deal

With training camp approaching and teams finalizing rosters, a deal could materialize in the coming weeks. The Nets will likely weigh offers and explore whether they can get a better haul elsewhere. Milwaukee, for their part, is expected to be aggressive, knowing that the Eastern Conference is wide open and that their window won’t remain open forever.

If no trade is completed before camp, this could stretch into the early part of the season. The Bucks may opt to wait and see how their current roster performs before making a big move. But if Johnson remains unsigned and discontented in Brooklyn, pressure will mount to strike a deal sooner rather than later.

The Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear: they’re not content with a second-round exit or coasting on past glory. The interest in Cam Johnson is a testament to their commitment to building a modern, competitive team that can challenge for titles now and in the future.

Johnson’s shooting, defensive versatility, and locker room presence would be a perfect fit for a Bucks team looking to retool around its star core. While the financial hurdles and trade logistics are real, the upside is undeniable.

In a league where wings are king and every contender needs depth, acquiring Cam Johnson could be the subtle yet significant move that propels Milwaukee back to the top of the East.