Raptors Trade James Johnson To Kings For Future Second-Round Pick

The Toronto Raptors have traded small forward James Johnson to the Sacramento Kings for a future second-round pick. Johnson, out of Wake Forest, was a first-round pick of the Chicago Bulls in 2009. The Bulls sent him to Toronto for a late first-round pick to clear salary at the 2011 trade deadline.

Johnson isn’t a particularly prolific or efficient scorer, and certainly isn’t a three-point shooter, but does play active defense and is one of the best wing shotblockers in the NBA. He has one season left on his contract, and will make $2.8 million in 2012-13 before becoming a restricted free agent. The Kings featured John Salmons and Tyreke Evans at starting small forward last season. If Evans shifts back to the backcourt as expected, the starting three spot could be Johnson’s for the taking. The Kings picked up a power forward, Thomas Robinson, in the draft.

ESPN’s Marc Stein first reported the trade.

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