Joe Johnson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets are rumored to be shopping one of their core of basketball stars as the franchise already plans to rebuild amid the poor start in the NBA 2015-2016 regular season.
Ben Golliver of the Sports Illustrated proposed Nets' Joe Johnson to be shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers where the seven-time All-Star has the chance to finally chase a championship.
However, Golliver noted that for the Nets to "start fresh" next summer, an indirect trade would be Brooklyn's preferable move, so they can have the chance to not take any money back in a possible deal.
Johnson has massive $24.9 million salary and it would be hard for the Nets to deal this kind of amount. But an indirect trade like a contract buyout would put the Nets in a favorable position in terms cap-space flexibility for next year's free agency.
If the Clippers would push for Johnson, they could use Jamal Crawford as the centerpiece for a trade.
Crawford has reportedly been an unhappy man in LA as his role continue to decrease with the arrival of Lance Stephenson and Paul Pierce, and the emergence of Austin Rivers.
Just before the start of the season, Crawford had to vent out what he thinks about Clippers' bench rotation of guards, which the 15-year veteran described as players who all want the basketball in their hands.
So far, Crawford has been 14.3 points in 12 games this season, but his minutes only accounted for 25.6 per contest.
Crawford would be the main man not just on the bench, but also in the Lionel Hollins' starting lineup if he arrives in Brooklyn.
Johnson, on the other hand, would be a good upgrade in terms of scoring over Stephenson and Wesley Johnson. His size, length, and experience would also provide the Clippers the needed help at the wing position.
However, Rant Sports believe Johnson's production this year has "hurt his trade value." This season, Johnson has been terribly struggling on the court, only posting 10.8 points on a dismal 33.6 percent shooting.
The problem in this trade scenario is that a straight swap would not work, considering Johnson's hefty salary. Golliver's indirect trade may work, but including other pieces like Stephenson and Wesley Johnson would likely hit the spot if LA plans to bring in Joe Johnson.
The Clippers have not indicated yet any intentions of bringing in another key player to their championship-aspiring team, but considering their history of piling up former top tier players, Johnson may be a realistic piece.
