Cameron Johnson

 

Cameron Johnson (born March 3, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) and weighing 210 pounds (95 kg), Johnson plays both small forward and power forward. He played college basketball for the Pittsburgh Panthers and North Carolina Tar Heels before being selected 11th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2019 NBA Draft and immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns. Known for his elite three-point shooting and versatility, Johnson helped the Suns reach the 2021 NBA Finals.

 

Early Life 

 

Johnson was born on March 3, 1996, in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. He comes from an athletic family, his mother Amy, scored over 1,000 points at Kent State University, while his father Gil played basketball at the University of Pittsburgh. 

 

High School Career

 

Johnson attended Moon Area High School before transferring to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, for his final two years.

 

College Career

 

Pittsburgh (2014–2017)

 

Johnson began his college career at Pittsburgh in 2014-15 but played only eight games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, receiving a medical redshirt. As a redshirt sophomore in 2016-17, he averaged 11.9 points and made 78 three-pointers, ranking 10th in the ACC while shooting 51.0% from the field.

 

North Carolina (2017–2019)

 

After three years at Pittsburgh, Johnson transferred to North Carolina as a graduate student. He missed the first 11 games of his junior season with a knee injury but averaged 12.4 points in 26 games (20 starts). As a senior in 2018-19, Johnson flourished, averaging 16.9 points while shooting 45.7% from three-point range. He earned First Team All-ACC honors and became one of college basketball’s premier shooters.

 

NBA Career

 

Phoenix Suns (2019–2023)

 

Johnson was drafted 11th overall by Minnesota on June 20, 2019, then immediately traded to Phoenix along with Dario Šarić for Jarrett Culver. In his rookie season, he set a Suns franchise record by making 100 three-pointers in just 54 games. In his second season (2020-21), Johnson helped Phoenix reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to Milwaukee. On March 5, 2022, he scored a career-high 38 points with nine three-pointers in a game-winning buzzer-beater against New York.

 

Brooklyn Nets (2023–2025)

 

On February 9, 2023, Johnson was traded to Brooklyn as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix. He signed a four-year, $94.5 million contract extension on July 6, 2023. In the 2024-25 season, Johnson posted career highs across the board, averaging 19.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 48.8% from the field. On November 19, 2024, he scored a career-best 34 points against Charlotte.

 

Denver Nuggets (2025–present)

 

On July 8, 2025, Johnson was traded to Denver for Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick. He suffered a bone bruise and hyperextended right knee on December 25, 2025, missing four-to-six weeks. Johnson returned on February 7, 2026, scoring 14 points in his comeback game.

 

Personal Life

 

Johnson is Catholic and recites Psalm 23 during the national anthem before games. He wore jersey number 23 in Phoenix, partially in honor of the psalm. His brother Donovan “Puff” Johnson plays basketball at Penn State.

 

References

 

External Links

* Cameron Johnson on NBA.com

* Cameron Johnson on Basketball-Reference.com