NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Looking At Joe Johnson And Phoenix Suns Might Be Eyeing Ryan Anderson (Photo : Reuters)
The Brooklyn Nets wants to revive their franchise and one of the ways they are trying to do that is trading overpaid shooting guard Joe Johnson. Management said that they are willing to give him up for anything. Recently, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley suggested that the Indiana Pacers or the Washington Wizards are possible destinations for the beleaguered All-Star.
Buckley recommended a Johnson swap with the Pacers for its center Roy Hibbert and shooting guard C.J. Miles. It was reported before the postseason began that Pacers' head coach Frank Vogel is planning to employ a faster and smaller lineup next season, much like what Golden State utilized in this year's championship run.
Vogel also admitted that this will result in a much lesser role for Hibbert, who had been inconsistent in offense all season long. Pacers president Larry Bird himself said that even if Hibbert chooses to come back next season, they will still "play another style" that will not be founded on the 7-foot-2 behemoth, via the Indianapolis Star.
But would the Nets be willing to take Hibbert? Yes, as they are uncertain of Brook Lopez's status during the free agency period. Adding Miles to the equation makes it more appealing for Brooklyn.
As for the Wizards, Buckley suggested that Johnson can be given up for Nene, Martell Webster, and Kris Humphries. As Washington is starting to evolve into a guard-oriented team, having Johnson in the lineup at small forward would make their offense a long-range powerhouse with John Wall and Bradley Beal in the backcourt. This is especially true as Paul Pierce is allegedly headed to L.A. next season.
The Wizards are not losing much in letting go of Nene, Webster, and Humphries, but the Nets would gain from having some veteran presence on their bench while they try to rebuild the team with younger starters.
