Cam Johnson got his generational-wealth contract this offseason with the Nets.
But he insists the life-changing money won’t change him or his approach.
“No, same approach: Just get better,” Johnson told The Post at Team USA practice in Las Vegas. “Get better and still feel — I think the main thing that I’ve always felt since I’ve been in the league is just to prove it. To prove it every day. And work for it every day and improve every day, and I’ll continue that mindset as long as I play.”
Along with getting injured Ben Simmons back on the floor, Brooklyn’s top summer priority had been getting Johnson back under contract.
Last month’s four-year, $94.5 million deal last month tied him up long-term.
“In a sense [it’s a relief] for sure,” said Johnson, who had rejected a four-year, $72 million offer from Phoenix last season.
He got traded, along with Mikal Bridges and picks, to the Nets for Kevin Durant in February, becoming part of their long-term retooling.
“It’s part of the process,” Johnson said. “I was in the same situation last year where we didn’t come to an agreement. I wouldn’t say it added any extra stress onto the season, playing that last contract year. So it is on one hand a bit of a relief and definitely a blessing; but it’s business as usual. Just attack every day, attack the season, try to be a better player every day.”
Yes, Brooklyn got four first-round picks and a swap for Durant.
But Johnson and Bridges — the only Nets on the Team USA roster for the FIBA World Cup — becoming better players is essentially a must for Brooklyn to take a step up.
The Nets, who had a losing record after the trade deadline, reshuffled the squad around Johnson and Bridges.
The latter is set to start alongside center Nic Claxton. Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie also started after the deadline, and could conceivably be pushed by Simmons.
Either way, Johnson sees being under contract long-term alongside pal Bridges as a chance for both to level up, and bring the Nets with them.
“I think it’s an opportunity for us to grow and get better,” Johnson said. “We got a great team around us. And very versatile. A group that’s very versatile with a lot of size and a lot of unique opportunities to play that way.”
Johnson was averaging 13.9 points in Phoenix before the trade. But after arriving in Brooklyn, he boosted his production to 16.6, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals, all on pace for career-highs.
Even better in the playoffs, Johnson poured in 18.5 points and 5.8 boards on 50.9/42.9/85.7 percent shooting splits. But, largely a catch-and-shoot player to date, he’s recognized the need to dribble, playmake and expand his all-around game this offseason.
“A little bit of everything, man,” Johnson said. “Being able to facilitate, put the ball on the floor and adjust, help everybody on the court. Working on getting different shots out of different positions out of different actions.”
Team USA is a chance for Johnson and Bridges to test his summer progress.
Both started on the first team in Team USA’s scrimmages against USA Basketball’s Team Select on Friday.
But though Bridges started again Saturday, Johnson was replaced by Anthony Edwards.
Team USA head coach Steve Kerr has been coy about who he’ll start in Monday’s first exhibition, vs. Puerto Rico, but the Warriors coach is familiar with the Nets’ so-called “Twins” from years of facing them in their Phoenix days.
“I already knew what kind of players they were from coaching against them, but they’re so mature. There’s a calming sense from both guys,” Kerr told the media Friday. “And they’re also modern-day basketball players: shoot the 3, guard multiple positions, long athletically. They’re huge components to this team.”
Team USA, which opens the World Cup Aug. 26 versus New Zealand, finished ninth four years ago and hasn’t won since 2014.
“It means a lot, man. This is such a cool opportunity,” Johnson said. “I think it’s such a great learning experience to play alongside great talent, under great leadership. It’s an opportunity I’m gonna do my best to take advantage of.”