Report: Suns F Cam Johnson out 1-2 months after meniscus surgery

Phoenix Suns forward Cam Johnson underwent surgery Tuesday in his right knee to remove part of his meniscus, and the timeline for a return to the court is one to two months, reports ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

On the long end of that time frame, he could return a week into the 2023 calendar year, costing him around 30 games.

The Suns (7-3) announced his injury this past week but did not give a timeframe for a return. The team confirmed Tuesday that Johnson had a “successful meniscectomy procedure.”

Windhorst added that “there is no change to the situation” regarding Jae Crowder, the former starting power forward who remains away from the team as it seeks a trade.

Torrey Craig has filled in for Johnson as Phoenix’s starting power forward the last two games, a win over the Portland Trail Blazers and a loss on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Johnson, in a contract year, is averaging 13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists to go with 43% accuracy from three-point range.

The meniscus injury is the second for the 26-year-old. Johnson had meniscus surgery on his left knee in November 2017 as a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels. He missed just more than a month of time in that recovery — he injured it on Nov. 13, 2017, and made his debut that year on Dec. 20, 2017.

After the Suns and Johnson failed to agree on an extension this offseason, the forward’s injury history could play a part in negotiations as he reaches restricted free agency following this 2022-23 season.

Johnson required shoulder surgery in 2015 as a member of the Pittsburgh Panthers and then hip surgery in 2018 when he was with UNC.

The Suns face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at 6 p.m. MST. Listen on Arizona Sports 98.7, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com.

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