There have been a few players that have agreed to buyouts already this season, but the name that has garnered the most interest from other teams has yet to be bought out. That is Joe Johnson, who has been iffy on whether he wants to be bought out as there was a report that he wanted to stay with the Brooklyn Nets and sign a multi-year deal after this season. Now, however, it seems as though something has changed because he and the Nets have opened up buyout talks, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
Johnson was always expected to be a buyout candidate because he is in the final year of his contract in Brooklyn, and the Nets are one of the worst teams in the league. There was some thought that Johnson wanted to milk every penny out of his near $25 million salary this season, but discussions have started and he will have plenty of interest from contenders.
Seven teams are already in pursuit of Johnson should he agree to a buyout. Among those teams are the Hawks, Celtics, Cavaliers, Rockets, Heat, Thunder and Raptors, according to Stein. Cleveland has long been considered the favorites to bring in Johnson if he agreed to a buyout, but Dwyane Wade and Johnson are friends and he is ready to make a pitch to bring him to Miami.
Of note when considering where Johnson might end up after the buyout is agreed upon is the fact that a couple of the teams can offer him more money. Atlanta, Boston, Miami and Oklahoma City will all be able to offer Johnson more than a prorated veteran minimum salary, noted Jon Hamm of The Oklahoman, which could work in those teams' favor. Still, though, Johnson will likely choose to go to the team that he feels gives him the best combination of the ability to win and the ability to contribute.
The fact that Johnson is garnering so much interest shouldn't be a surprise because he can really help a contender. Early in the season, it looked like the 34-year-old guard might be done, but he has played much better over the last couple of months. Johnson is shooting 37 percent from three, can bring a veteran presence and is extremely clutch. Johnson's numbers are often better in the playoffs than they are during the regular season, so whoever is able to add him will be getting a very helpful piece, assuming he agrees to a buyout with the Nets.
