After a disappointing loss in Game 7 against the Dallas Mavericks, questions surrounding the Phoenix Suns' future appeared fast and furious.
Is the window closing on a title chance with Chris Paul? Can Deandre Ayton and the front office work on their differences?
Paul had some great moments this past season, including a 14-of-14 shooting game in the first round, but he had some of his worst playoff performances in the Western Conference Semifinals. Ayton agreed with terms with the Indiana Pacers, but Phoenix decided to match the four-year, $133 million offer sheet after it seemed like he was on the way out.
Additionally, the team agreed to an extension with All-Star Devin Booker for four more years worth $224 million.
While some pieces seem to be secured for the future, some of them still remain a question. One of them is Cameron Johnson, who is entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract.
The sharpshooter, selected in the lottery and acquired on draft night by the Suns in 2019, had averages of 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 46.0% from the field and 42.5% from beyond the arc this past season, all career bests. He mainly came off the bench, only starting 16 of the 66 games he appeared. Because of his impact as a reserve, Johnson finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year Award voting, just behind Tyler Herro and Kevin Love.
Johnson's name has come up as a trade candidate for Kevin Durant, but with Ayton back in the fold for now, a KD trade doesn't seem likely. Given this, here are two reasons why the Suns should act quickly and agree to an extension with Johnson during this 2022 NBA offseason, even if there are also some concerns about their ballooning payroll.
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Why Suns Must Give A Contract Extension To Cameron Johnson
2. Uncertainties surrounding the power forward position
Following the team's elimination in 2022 playoffs, many questioned what the Suns could do to improve its roster. Aside from all the Kevin Durant speculation, one of the things some mentioned was that Phoenix would explore trades involving Jae Crowder.
The 3-and-D forward has been speculated as a possibility for multiple title contenders, including his former team the Miami Heat, where he would play once again with his former Heat and Marquette teammate Jimmy Butler. Crowder would replace P.J. Tucker, who recently joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
At 32 years old and entering the final year of his contract worth about $10.2 million, Phoenix should keep an eye on capitalizing on the veteran, especially if they do not plan on keeping him beyond this season.
The team's other power forward under contract, Dario Šarić, missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a torn ACL, so it is unclear how the Croatian will perform after sitting out a full year. The other power forward they had was Frank Kaminsky, but he left in free agency to join the Atlanta Hawks.
Because of that, it might be a better and safe idea to secure Cameron Johnson for the long haul. Having someone who is already familiar with the team and should not demand too much money could be a good solution to the questions at the 4, assuming KD isn't coming this offseason.
1. Johnson's yearly improvements
Since entering the league, Cameron Johnson has improved his average in points, rebounds and assists in every single season. At 26, he should be entering his prime very soon and, if the Suns wait too long, he might ask for even more than he is currently projected. Johnson should make around $15 million a season, or even closer to $20 million.
Should he have a breakout season in this upcoming 2022-23 season, he will likely ask for more and, after the Suns retained Ayton, Booker and Mikal Bridges, it could cause some serious salary cap complications. By securing Johnson at his current value, the Suns could help with future flexibility.
If the team ends up trading Crowder, Johnson should be the frontrunner to take the starting position. In the 16 games he started last season, his averages jump to 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists, plus shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.0% from 3-point land.
The former North Carolina Tar Heel has shown that he can learn and improve since his college days, where he also increased his point, rebound and assist averages every year. Should he become the starter, his numbers will likely have a significant increase, especially offensively.
He has also proven to be a reliable defender, and he could improve even more by playing with Bridges. Due to him being 6-foot-8 and his mobility, he could potentially defend four positions. Also, being a backup to Crowder for the past years surely taught him some things as the veteran has more playoff experience.
Overall, the Suns should seriously consider offering Johnson a contract extension in the 2022 NBA offseason. If both parties agree to a deal, Phoenix will have secured starter-caliber players to all five positions, plus keeping a young piece they helped to develop. Even without a Durant trade, the Suns would be in good position to compete for that elusive NBA title.
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