Many assumed the Brooklyn Nets would trade Cam Johnson this summer after the team pivoted to a rebuild. A month into the 2024-25 season, the 28-year-old is off to the best start of his career with the new-look squad.

With leading scorer Cam Thomas sidelined Tuesday vs. the Charlotte Hornets, Johnson scored 34 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the field and 6-of-12 from three during a 116-115 win. He then scored 37 points during Friday's 113-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, one off his career high, while matching a career-high nine made threes.

The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter had reached 30 points three times in 297 NBA appearances before the pair of performances. For the season, he's averaged 19.3 points and 3.3 assists per game on 49.8 percent shooting from the field and 42.3 percent from three, all career-highs.

After battling injuries throughout a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, Johnson credited improved health and added opportunities for his high-level start.

“Just taking advantage of opportunities… Finding a rhythm, being able to be healthy all through preseason and god-willing, continue to stay healthy, is important,” he said. “Especially as a shooter, rhythm is really important. It's hard to just miss time, come back and think everything's gonna work out. But no matter what challenges are thrown, I'm just gonna keep on playing my game and trying to get some wins on the board for us.

Johnson has shouldered a heavier burden as a self-creator while stepping into an expanded role following Mikal Bridges' departure.

Cam Johnson raising Nets floor in expanded offensive role

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The third-year Net has responded to the challenge, flashing an expanded offensive repertoire.

Related Brooklyn Nets NewsArticle continues below
Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots as Washington Wizards guard Monte Morris (22) and forward Kyle Kuzma (33) look on during the second half at Capital One Arena.
Brooklyn Nets’ 4 best options at No. 8 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks to the basket in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
Nets pegged as obvious trade candidate after unlucky lottery

While his three-point shooting has remained near the top of the league, he's also been highly efficient on drives, shooting a career-high 76 percent at the rim. That ranks in the 76th percentile among NBA forwards, per CleaningTheGlass. His aggressiveness has led to more free throws, as he's attempted a career-high 3.3 per game and converted at a 91.8 percent clip.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez said that Johnson's recent workload exemplifies the team's trust in the veteran as more than a three-point shooter.

“I’ve always thought that he’s a very good overall player, not just a shooter,” Fernandez said Friday. “Not having CT the other day, I told him, ‘I’m gonna give you the ball more, and the team needs you to do that.’ And he was excellent. Sometimes, players show you what they’re able to do, and sometimes, you decide. I see that I can give him the ball a lot. That’s great that his teammates also trust him, and they can see that.”

Johnson's hot start will add to trade speculation as the season progresses. The former lottery pick's three-and-D skillset and improved self-creation make him a fit for virtually any contender.

With the Nets eyeing a top draft pick, general manager Sean Marks is expected to field offers for several veterans ahead of the deadline. If Johnson can continue his steady play while staying healthy, he'll be among the top players on the market.