As the Nets prepare for a six-game Western road trip, they might be getting a going away present.

After the Nets’ defeat against the Pistons with a score of 113-98 at the Barclays Center on Wednesday night, head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed optimism about Cam Johnson’s potential return. Fernandez mentioned that Johnson is expected to come back from his sprained ankle injury and join the team on their upcoming trip that kicks off against the Nuggets on Friday.

Fernandez emphasized the importance of not rushing Johnson’s return, highlighting the need for the player to be fully cleared and feel completely ready before getting back into action. He commended Johnson’s experience despite his young age, expressing trust in his judgment. Fernandez prioritizes Johnson’s well-being over risking premature return, recognizing the positive impact his return would have on the team’s performance and competitiveness. Johnson has been actively participating in his recovery process and remains in high spirits, which Fernandez finds encouraging.

Johnson, a forward with six years of professional experience, has missed three games due to his ankle injury sustained during a game against the Bucks on January 2. The injury occurred when Ziaire Williams accidentally landed on Johnson’s foot while going for a rebound late in the game.

Without Johnson, Williams and Jalen Wilson have taken over the load with Cam Thomas (hamstring), Ben Simmons (calf soreness and lower back management) also sitting out the past three games as well.

D’Angelo Russell (shin) has also missed the past two while only playing through the first half of Saturday’s 76ers game.

Johnson’s availability and travel plans had another wrinkle, as the No. 11 draft pick of the 2019 NBA Draft has had several trade rumors swirling around his name with interest reportedly from the Kings, Pacers, and Thunder ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.

There were also reports linking Johnson to the Grizzlies and Lakers, according to Jake Fischer.

NetsDaily reported a source saying that all the rumors around Johnson are “inaccurate.”

Johnson is in the middle of his four-year, $94.5 million contract and the 28-year-old forward is averaging 19.5 points while shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 43.6 percent from beyond the arc.

It’s believed the Nets will not give Johnson away easily and any deal likely would include or be equivalent to the value of two first-round picks.

In his second consecutive start this season and fourth with the Nets, Tyrese Martin earned his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds (career high).

Noah Clowney’s career-high night of 29 points makes the 20-year-old forward the youngest Net in franchise history to tally 25 or more points, five or more rebounds, and five or more 3-pointers in a single game.