The Brooklyn Nets maybe a long-shot in making the playoffs this season, but that does not mean they could not shakeup their roster. Rumor has it that Joe Johnson, the second-highest paid player in the league, and the Nets management are to reach a buyout, according to a report.
In an interview with Andy Vasquez of The Record, Johnson revealed that he wants to join a winning team in his impending free agency.
"I've made enough money, man, throughout my career. So, yeah, winning will definitely be top priority for me," Johnson said.
Johnson is in the final year of a six-year $119 million contract he signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 2010. This season, the Nets are paying him just under $25 million.
But with the Nets consistently struggling in the 2015-2016 NBA regular season, there could be a chance that the seven-time All-Star and Brooklyn would reach a buyout early next year, according to ESPN.
The report projected that both parties "will breakup by March 1 via buyout," making Johnson eligible to sign with a top 2016 playoff team, which could possibly be the Los Angeles Clippers.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders noted that the Clippers are "not ready to blow things up," but also stated that there is a growing sense LA are willing to make a deal that involves Jamal Crawford's expiring contract.
With the way the Clippers are going up and down this season and how their bench are not clicking, they could certainly use a bit of change in their lineup.
Kyler also noted that the Clippers are being "opportunistic - [sources] saying if a solid player becomes available they'd do a deal."
Johnson would give the Clippers another threat outside and would space the floor for Doc Rivers. His age may be a factor, but his length and size still makes him a three-and-D guy the Clippers are desperately needing.
However, the Clippers are already above the luxury tax threshold with a salary of almost $95 million, making it complicated for them to strike a trade at this moment, so they might just have to wait until a buyout between the Nets and Johnson is reached.
Another possible destination for Johnson is the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavs have a rich history of giving out-of-prime players a second chance in Dallas, which is enough reason for them to acquire Johnson.
Also, the Mavs are lacking a legitimate threat from the three-point territory, with Wesley Matthews and Dirk Nowitizki the only players to excel beyond the arc. Johnson would instantly give the Mavs, currently inside the circle of top teams in the Western Conference, a boost at the shooting department.
The major factor that complicates a deal, though, is Johnson's massive contract. Trading for him makes it hard for any team over the salary cap space, which means a buyout could be the only way for Johnson to exit Brooklyn.
The Nets are clearly trying to rebuild, but they lack the pieces to restart their franchise. Their only great chance to improve the team could only be in next summer's free agency and moving Johnson's contract should give them flexibility in cap-space.