This offseason the Brooklyn Nets main goal was to shed payroll so that they won't have to pay the luxury tax again this season. While they were able to get under the tax threshold by agreeing to a buyout with Deron Williams, a Joe Johnson trade always seemed to be the most likely scenario, at least according to reports. However, it is now being reported that the Nets were never likely to trade Johnson, according to NetsDaily.com.
There was a point earlier this offseason when it appeared that a deal between the Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers that would have sent Johnson out of Brooklyn was close to getting done, but Williams reportedly was always the preferred option to be dumped. Despite his massive contract, the Nets reportedly like having Johnson around as he has become more of a vocal leader and he is still productive on the court even at age 34.
Reports from the organization said that Johnson and Williams didn't have a very good relationship and that had a major impact on the Nets wanting to move on from Williams. After Williams' buyout, it was reported that the Nets no longer had any interest in trading Johnson, and one Nets insider even said, "I am sure Joe will have a tremendous season."
The Nets are banking on a big season from Johnson now that he will likely be happier with the situation. After last season ended with a first round loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Johnson stated that he wasn't happy with the Nets situation and something needed to change.
"Something's going to happen. I don't know what. I don't see us coming back as the same team. This is my third year here. I could see if we were getting better each year, but it's kind of been the opposite. So to not even be a .500 ball club in the East, it's disheartening," said Johnson.
Now that Williams has moved on to the Dallas Mavericks the Nets will certainly have lower expectations, but the fact that the team will likely be more tight-knit could work in its favor. Johnson is still capable of being a very good player in the league and now that he no longer has to play alongside a backcourt mate with whom he didn't get along, he might be due for a big year.
