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Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Joe Johnson Not Pushing For A Buyout?

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Nets 112-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Nets 112-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Joe Johnson has a tough contract to move via trade, so the only way off the Nets is via a buyout. But, that is not something Johnson has yet to ask for.

The Brooklyn Nets are in a tough spot this trade deadline. They have a horrible record at 14-40, but with no general manager in place it may be difficult for them to make any trades to try and improve the roster or add assets for the future. There have been plenty of rumors swirling around power forward Thaddeus Young, as he is arguably the best asset the Nets have if they wish to restock their empty cupboard of assets.

One player that they would also like to move is shooting guard Joe Johnson. Johnson, who is in his 15th season in the NBA, is putting up some of the worst numbers of his career, averaging only 11.5 points per game on 40 percent shooting from the field. Despite the lack of production, Johnson would still help a contending team with some veteran scoring punch and a knack for theatrics; Johnson leads the NBA in buzzer-beating shots with seven in the last 10 years.

While the Nets would like to move Johnson and his expiring contract, it will be a tall task. The amount that he is being paid makes it difficult for a team to match salaries on, and there aren’t many teams with nearly $25 million of salary readily available to move in a trade.

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Another way to move Johnson would be with a buyout. It would relieve the Nets of some of their salary obligations, and also give Johnson the opportunity to sign with a contender and play for a chance at an NBA title. Earlier in the month, it seemed like Johnson was open to a buyout, not dismissing it as an option. With Johnson supposedly being miserable in Brooklyn, a buyout could help both sides as it is easier to complete for a trade.

But, Johnson’s tune seems to have changed in recent days. Johnson is not pushing the Nets for a buyout according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.

That is the same feeling coming from Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, as he also reports that Johnson is not expected to be a part of the buyout market following the NBA Trade Deadline.

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But, if Johnson is not moved by the trade deadline tomorrow, his tune could change about wanting a buyout. There are already teams that have expressed interest in adding Johnson if he is bought out, including the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks. All three teams could use what Johnson brings to the table, and he would offer a lot more to a team contending that the Nets, who should be preparing for a rebuild once a new general manager is put in place.

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