Cameron Johnson
Cameron Johnson (born March 3, 1996) is an American professional basketball player who plays as a small forward and power forward for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) tall and weighing 210 pounds (95 kg), Johnson shoots right-handed and is known for his three-point shooting ability.[1][3] He was born in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and attended Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School before playing college basketball for the University of Pittsburgh and the University of North Carolina.[2][4] Johnson was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft before being traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, where he contributed to their run to the NBA Finals in 2021.[3][2] In 2023, he signed a four-year, $94.5 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during the 2023–24 season.[5] He was traded to the Denver Nuggets in July 2025, joining a contending team as a key wing defender and shooter.[3][6] Internationally, Johnson has represented the United States, earning a spot on the 2023 FIBA World Cup roster and contributing to the team's bronze medal finish.[4] His career highlights include developing into a reliable perimeter threat, with career averages of 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists over 351 regular-season games as of November 2025.[2]Early life and education
Early life
Cameron Johnson was born on March 3, 1996, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh.[2] He grew up in a family deeply rooted in basketball, with both parents having competed at the collegiate level. His father, Gilbert "Gil" Johnson, an African American, played for the University of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 1990, while his mother, Amy Johnson (née Schuler), a Croatian American and school nurse, was a 1,000-point scorer at Kent State University.[7][8][9] Johnson's early exposure to basketball came primarily through his family's athletic heritage and the local community in Moon Township. With his parents as former players, basketball was a constant presence in the household, fostering his initial interest from a young age. He is the eldest of four brothers, including Aaron, a former college player, Donovan "Puff" Johnson, who played college basketball for the University of North Carolina and Penn State,[4] and Braylon, who plays college basketball for Grand Canyon University;[10] the family's emphasis on the sport created a supportive environment that encouraged Johnson's development.[11][7] The Johnson family's diverse background and strong communal ties in Moon Township shaped his upbringing, instilling values of resilience and discipline through regular family traditions like mandatory Sunday dinners. While basketball dominated his early pursuits, the close-knit household provided a foundation that extended beyond athletics, highlighting the role of familial support in his formative years.[12][9]High school career
Johnson began his high school basketball career at Moon Area High School in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, where he played during his freshman and sophomore years from 2010 to 2012.[13] Seeking greater competitive opportunities, he transferred to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School in nearby Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, for his junior and senior seasons from 2012 to 2014.[13] During his junior year at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Johnson averaged 18.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, helping lead the team to a 24-4 record and an appearance in the WPIAL Class A championship game.[14] As a senior in the 2013-14 season, he elevated his performance, averaging 23.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game while ranking second in the WPIAL Class A in both categories; he also contributed 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game, shooting 49% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 82% from the free-throw line.[14] Johnson earned PIAA Class A All-State second team honors that year and guided the Chargers to a 22-5 record, advancing to the WPIAL Class A semifinals before a 57-51 loss to eventual champion Uniontown, in which he scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds.[14] Johnson's standout high school performances attracted college recruiters, earning him a three-star rating as the No. 18 player in Pennsylvania.[15] He received scholarship offers from the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Robert Morris University, and several Ivy League institutions, along with interest from other programs.[15] Ultimately, he committed to the University of Pittsburgh in April 2014, signing his national letter of intent shortly thereafter.[16]College career
University of Pittsburgh (2014–2017)
Cameron Johnson began his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh in 2014, where he faced early challenges adjusting to the college level. As a freshman during the 2014–15 season, he appeared in the first eight games, averaging 4.5 points and 1.1 rebounds per game while shooting 34.8% from three-point range, before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.[14] He received a medical redshirt for the season, preserving a year of eligibility.[17] In his redshirt freshman year of 2015–16, Johnson continued to develop off the bench, playing in 32 games with one start and averaging 11.7 minutes per contest. He contributed 4.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game, while improving his three-point shooting to 37.5% on 2.5 attempts.[18] His role remained limited but showed steady progress in perimeter shooting and defensive contributions within Pitt's ACC schedule. Johnson's breakout came in the 2016–17 season as a redshirt sophomore, when he earned a starting position for all 33 games and became a key offensive option. Averaging 33.3 minutes per game, he posted 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, with a 41.5% three-point success rate on 5.7 attempts—his most efficient shooting season at Pitt.[18] He ranked second on the team in scoring behind Jamel Artis and provided crucial spacing in ACC play, including a 22-point performance against Syracuse.[19] Johnson also earned All-ACC Academic Team honors for his performance in the classroom.[20] Under these contributions, Pitt finished 16–17 overall.[21] Following the 2016–17 season, Johnson graduated from Pittsburgh in three years with a degree in communications and decided to transfer as a graduate student to the University of North Carolina, utilizing his remaining two years of eligibility.[17] Pitt granted his release to UNC despite initial complications related to ACC conference rules.[17]University of North Carolina (2017–2019)
Following the 2016–17 season, in which the University of North Carolina won the NCAA championship, Cameron Johnson transferred from the University of Pittsburgh as a graduate transfer, citing his desire to compete at a high level in his remaining two years of eligibility.[22] Despite initial resistance from Pitt over the intra-conference move, Johnson secured immediate eligibility through NCAA graduate transfer rules after appealing the decision.[17] During the 2017–18 season, Johnson quickly integrated into the Tar Heels' roster, starting 20 of 26 games after missing the first 10 games of the season due to a torn meniscus in his left knee requiring surgery, while averaging 12.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, ranking third on the team in scoring and rebounding.[18][23] He shot 84.7% from the free-throw line, second on the squad, and connected on 47 three-pointers at a 34.1% clip.[24] In the NCAA Tournament, Johnson provided bench and starting support, scoring 12 points with 7 rebounds in a first-round win over Lipscomb before adding 7 points and 3 steals in a second-round defeat to Texas A&M.[25] Johnson's senior year in 2018–19 marked a breakout, as he started all 36 games and elevated his production to 16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting a career-best 50.6% from the field and 45.7% from beyond the arc.[18] His scoring prowess proved crucial in the ACC Tournament, where he tallied 23 points in a semifinal loss to Duke, earning All-ACC Tournament First Team honors, and he was also selected to the All-ACC First Team for his overall impact.[26] In the NCAA Tournament, Johnson averaged 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over three games, highlighted by a 21-point, 7-rebound effort in the first-round victory against Iona, as UNC advanced to the Sweet Sixteen before losing to Auburn.[26] Johnson completed his studies at UNC, graduating with a degree in business administration.[27]Professional career
Phoenix Suns (2019–2023)
Johnson was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft before being traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night in exchange for the sixth overall pick (Jarrett Culver), cash considerations, and forward Dario Šarić.[28] The trade positioned Johnson as a versatile wing addition to Phoenix's young core, leveraging his college success at North Carolina to address the team's need for reliable outside shooting and multi-positional defense. As a rookie in the 2019–20 season, Johnson appeared in 57 games off the bench, averaging 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 39.0 percent from three-point range.[2] His role expanded during the NBA's restart in the Orlando bubble, where he started all eight seeding games for the Suns, who went undefeated at 8–0; Johnson averaged 12.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in those contests, connecting on 44.4 percent of his three-point attempts and providing key spacing alongside Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.[7] Johnson's development accelerated in the 2020–21 season, where he averaged 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds across 60 games (11 starts), contributing to Phoenix's surprise run to the NBA Finals as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.[2] In the playoffs, he played in 21 games off the bench, averaging 8.2 points while shooting 41.5 percent from three, including a strong 10.8 points per game showing in the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Clippers.[29] The following year, 2021–22, Johnson solidified his value with career highs of 12.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 66 games (16 starts), earning third-place consideration for Sixth Man of the Year after efficient shooting (59.6 percent effective field goal rate).[2] His improved three-point volume (5.9 attempts per game at 42.5 percent) enhanced the Suns' top-ranked offense, though they fell in the second round of the playoffs. Entering the 2022–23 season on the final year of his rookie-scale contract, Johnson and the Suns failed to reach an extension agreement despite discussions for a four-year deal reportedly valued between $66 million and $72 million.[30] In 17 games before the trade deadline, he averaged 13.0 points and 4.5 rebounds, shooting 43.0 percent from three.[2] On February 9, 2023, Johnson was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team blockbuster deal that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix, along with Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and multiple draft picks.[31]Brooklyn Nets (2023–2025)
On February 9, 2023, Johnson was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a blockbuster four-team deal that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and additional assets.[32][33] This move marked Johnson's relocation to a rebuilding Nets squad, where his prior playoff experience with the Suns helped facilitate a smoother adaptation to Brooklyn's defensive scheme.[32] In the remainder of the 2022–23 season, Johnson quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Nets, averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game across 25 appearances, all as a starter, while shooting 37.2% from three-point range.[2] His efficient scoring and perimeter shooting bolstered Brooklyn's offense, contributing to the Nets' 13–13 post-trade finish and overall 45–37 record that secured the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, leading to a first-round playoff appearance where the Nets were swept by the Philadelphia 76ers 4–0.[34] Johnson's strong finish generated early discussions around his potential for All-Star recognition, though he was not selected.[35] Over the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, Johnson solidified his role as a consistent starter for the Nets, appearing in 58 games (19 starts) in 2023–24 with averages of 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game at 39.1% from three, and elevating to 57 games (all starts) in 2024–25 with career highs of 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game at 39.0% from deep.[2] His defensive contributions improved notably, particularly in switchable perimeter defense and rebounding, helping anchor Brooklyn's rotations amid roster flux; the Nets ranked among the league's better units in points allowed per possession on drives during stretches of the 2024–25 campaign.[36] Despite a playoff berth only in 2022–23, Johnson's versatility supported the team's development, culminating in his selection to the 2025 All-Star Weekend's 3-Point Contest.[37] On July 8, 2025, Johnson was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round draft pick, ending his Nets tenure after signing a four-year, $94.5 million extension with Brooklyn in 2023.[38][39]Denver Nuggets (2025–present)
On July 8, 2025, the Denver Nuggets acquired Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn.[6] The move was designed to bolster Denver's perimeter defense and shooting while providing salary cap flexibility, as Johnson's contract through 2026–27 aligned with the team's contention window.[40] In the early 2025–26 season, Johnson has transitioned into a starting role at small forward, emphasizing his strengths as a wing defender alongside core stars Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.[41] His defensive versatility has helped contain opposing wings, contributing to the Nuggets' 10–2 start as of November 17, 2025, including wins over playoff-caliber teams like the Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans. Offensively, Johnson has averaged 7.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game over 11 contests, shooting 37.2% from the field and providing reliable spot-up shooting to complement Denver's interior dominance. These contributions have aided the team's high offensive rating and improved bench scoring in victories, even as Johnson adjusts to the championship-caliber system.[43] Johnson encountered a minor setback with right shoulder soreness in late October 2025, exiting a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 27 and listed as questionable for the following matchup against New Orleans. He returned and played without missing games until sustaining a right biceps strain, which ruled him out for the November 15 game against Minnesota, with an estimated return on November 17, 2025.[44][45][46] While no individual standout performances have emerged yet—highlighted by a 9-point, 6-rebound effort in an October 31 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers—his steady integration has supported Denver's early success.[3]Career statistics and records
NBA regular season
Johnson's NBA regular season performance is detailed in the following year-by-year per game averages table.[2]| Season | Team | G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | PHX | 57 | 22.0 | 8.8 | 3.3 | 1.2 | .435 | .390 | .807 |
| 2020–21 | PHX | 60 | 24.0 | 9.6 | 3.3 | 1.4 | .420 | .349 | .847 |
| 2021–22 | PHX | 66 | 26.2 | 12.5 | 4.1 | 1.5 | .460 | .425 | .860 |
| 2022–23 | PHX/BRK | 42 | 28.5 | 15.5 | 4.4 | 1.9 | .470 | .404 | .842 |
| 2023–24 | BRK | 58 | 27.6 | 13.4 | 4.3 | 2.4 | .446 | .391 | .789 |
| 2024–25 | BRK | 57 | 31.6 | 18.8 | 4.3 | 3.4 | .475 | .390 | .893 |
| 2025–26 | DEN | 11 | 24.5 | 7.2 | 2.6 | 1.8 | .372 | .211 | .813 |
| Team | G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 200 | 24.6 | 10.7 | 3.6 | 1.4 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 140 | 29.5 | 16.1 | 4.4 | 2.7 |
| Denver Nuggets | 11 | 24.5 | 7.2 | 2.6 | 1.8 |
NBA playoffs
Johnson made his NBA playoff debut with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, contributing as a key reserve during their run to the NBA Finals.[29] In the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists across six games, helping the Suns win the series 4-2.[29] The Suns then swept the Denver Nuggets in the second round, where Johnson posted 4.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in four appearances.[29] Advancing to the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Clippers, he elevated his performance to 9.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in six games, aiding a 4-2 series victory.[29] In the Finals versus the Milwaukee Bucks, Johnson averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds over six games, though the Suns fell 4-2.[29] In the 2022 playoffs, Johnson remained a vital bench option for the Suns. They defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 4-2 in the first round, with him averaging 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in six games.[29] The Suns' season ended in the second round against the Dallas Mavericks, losing 4-2 after seven games, during which Johnson contributed 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.[29] After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson appeared in the 2023 playoffs, starting all four games in a first-round sweep loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. He delivered a standout series average of 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, including a playoff career-high 29 points in Game 3.[29] Johnson did not appear in the playoffs during the 2024 or 2025 seasons, as the Nets failed to qualify both years.[2] As of November 2025, his career playoff averages stand at 9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 39 games.[29]| Year | Team | Round | Opponent | Result | GP | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Phoenix Suns | First Round | Los Angeles Lakers | W 4–2 | 6 | 8.0 | 3.3 | 0.8 |
| 2021 | Phoenix Suns | Second Round | Denver Nuggets | W 4–0 | 4 | 4.8 | 2.0 | 1.3 |
| 2021 | Phoenix Suns | Western Conference Finals | Los Angeles Clippers | W 4–2 | 6 | 9.8 | 4.0 | 0.3 |
| 2021 | Phoenix Suns | NBA Finals | Milwaukee Bucks | L 2–4 | 6 | 8.5 | 3.2 | 0.8 |
| 2022 | Phoenix Suns | First Round | New Orleans Pelicans | W 4–2 | 6 | 10.2 | 3.7 | 1.5 |
| 2022 | Phoenix Suns | Second Round | Dallas Mavericks | L 2–4 | 7 | 10.6 | 3.4 | 1.6 |
| 2023 | Brooklyn Nets | First Round | Philadelphia 76ers | L 0–4 | 4 | 18.5 | 5.8 | 2.8 |
College career
Cameron Johnson played college basketball for the University of Pittsburgh from 2014 to 2017 before transferring to the University of North Carolina, where he competed from 2017 to 2019.[18] Across his five collegiate seasons, he appeared in 135 games, accumulating 1,514 points, 547 rebounds, and 243 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range.[18] His career per-game averages stood at 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, with an 81.6% free-throw percentage.[18] Johnson's role evolved from a reserve player early at Pittsburgh to a prominent starter at North Carolina, where he became a reliable three-point shooter and secondary scorer.[18]Pittsburgh Seasons (2014–2017)
The following table summarizes Johnson's per-game statistics during his three seasons at Pittsburgh:| Season | Class | G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | FR | 8 | 14.4 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 | .394 | .348 | .500 |
| 2015–16 | SO | 32 | 11.7 | 4.8 | 1.8 | 0.5 | .397 | .375 | .808 |
| 2016–17 | JR | 33 | 33.3 | 11.9 | 4.5 | 2.3 | .447 | .415 | .811 |
| Career | 73 | 22.0 | 8.0 | 2.9 | 1.3 | .430 | .402 | .792 |
North Carolina Seasons (2017–2019)
Johnson's performance improved markedly at UNC, as shown in the per-game statistics below:| Season | Class | G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | SR | 26 | 29.3 | 12.4 | 4.7 | 2.3 | .426 | .341 | .847 |
| 2018–19 | GR | 36 | 29.9 | 16.9 | 5.8 | 2.4 | .506 | .457 | .818 |
| Career | 62 | 29.6 | 15.2 | 5.4 | 2.4 | .474 | .415 | .826 |
ACC Conference Statistics
In ACC play, Johnson averaged 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game over 71 appearances, shooting 44.5% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc.[18] His per-game stats in conference games are detailed below:| Season | G | MP | PTS | TRB | AST | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 17 | 10.1 | 3.9 | 1.6 | 0.3 | .429 | .405 | 1.000 |
| 2016–17 | 18 | 35.0 | 11.4 | 4.6 | 2.2 | .417 | .404 | .821 |
| 2017–18 | 18 | 30.4 | 13.3 | 4.7 | 2.5 | .433 | .356 | .857 |
| 2018–19 | 18 | 30.8 | 17.2 | 6.5 | 2.8 | .502 | .459 | .780 |