The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly in buyout negotiations with Joe Johnson, the right thing for both the franchise and the veteran swing man.
Joe Johnson has been linked to trade rumors for almost two seasons now, and has always remained steadfast in his commitment to the Brooklyn Nets. Recently there have been reports of of a potential buyout, to which Johnson was less committal stating, “We’ll see what happens” and admitting that he’s spoken to his agent about the future.
Today Marc Stein of ESPN dropped a bombshell.
Joe Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets have opened buyout negotiations, ESPN has learned
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 25, 2016
Sources tell ESPN several playoff teams (Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, OKC and Toronto) are already in pursuit of Joe Johnson
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 25, 2016
Not only was Johnson on the way out, but there were already seven playoff teams interested in his services. Johnson was taking up space in a Nets rotation that needed to rebuild, and a playoff team is where he belongs. He’s not good enough to be starting anymore, and the former All-Star has shown that with his performance through the first half of this season.
When he ends up on one of these teams he will, in all likelihood, be coming off the bench and he could end up thriving there. This is a move that is long overdue and much like last season’s Deron Williams buyout, the best for both the Nets and the player.
Nets’ fans shouldn’t remember Johnson for this disastrous season, but for the many game winners and clutch shots he made for them in his four long seasons in Brooklyn. It seems like he’s been there for much longer, right?
Johnson’s departure is a small step in a long rebuilding process for the Brooklyn Nets. Both sides will hope that only positives come from this huge shift.
