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UNC Basketball: No Contract Extension for Cam Johnson

By Aaron Conrad

Mar 4, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) celebrates after hitting the game winning shot at the buzzer against the New York Knicks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23) celebrates after hitting the game winning shot at the buzzer against the New York Knicks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former UNC Basketball player Cameron Johnson opens the new NBA season without a contract extension. He will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Cameron Johnson opened the 2022-2023 NBA season in the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns. The former UNC basketball standout did not, however, begin the season with a rookie-contract extension. Just a few weeks ago, Johnson said the following on Suns media day:

"“I love what we have been able to accomplish as a team,” Johnson said. “I’m looking forward to continuing that. The way that it stands, I have a year left on my contract, and that is the year I am playing right now. I am super excited to be here. I am super excited for the opportunity. I love this team, I love our guys, and I’m ready to start training camp and get back to work.”"

With the uncertainty around Jae Crowder, Johnson has moved from the sixth man to the starting lineup. He responded on opening night with 15 points in 27 minutes. He was forced to leave the game early due to cramping. The Suns beat the Mavericks on a last-second shot by Johnson’s replacement, Damion Lee.

Johnson has been worthy of the high draft pick in his three seasons with the Suns. In the sixth-man role with a very talented team, Johnson raised his average each season and finished last season at 12.5 points per game.

Johnson seems to be an excellent fit for the Suns and fits well with players like Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Brooks. The Suns finished last season with a 64-18 record and will look to avenge their Western Conference Semifinals loss to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022-2023 season.

He will now play out this season and be a restricted free agent this summer. The Suns can match any offer he receives in free agency.

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