Brooklyn waives the former All-Star guard before deadline
With the Brooklyn Nets set to finish with a top 5 worst record this season and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2012, the Russian billionaire and team owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, has decided to implode his franchise. Just two years ago, the team had legit title aspirations of a core around Brook Lopez, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams; but injuries hindered the team from making deep playoff runs over the last few season. Now with the trade deadline complete, Brooklyn has decided to waive Johnson and clear up nearly $25 million worth of a salary cap space.
Joe still has until 5:00pm ET before he officially clears waivers, but we’re doubtful any team will pick up his contract at this point in the year. However, Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Miami, Toronto, Oklahoma City (needs him the most) and Cleveland are all pursuing him. LeBron James has been privately campaigning for the team to acquire Johnson for quite some time, as the Cavaliers front office feel confident in winning the sweepstakes this weekend.
Surprisingly, the 34-year-old’s play has been increasing since the New Year, as he’s been the only player on the team that could help them win games. The Cavaliers still feel they need another threat on the floor to compete with either the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. So, acquiring Johnson, on the last year of his mammoth six-year, $124 million deal would instantly put them in legit conversations to compete with the previously mentioned teams out west.
The buyout was for a mere $3 million, which Johnson is open to playing the six-man role.
Thank you to all of the Brooklyn and New York Fans for your support during my time with the @BrooklynNets. I (cont) https://t.co/C1m6Pa0Gmt
— Joe Johnson 4real (@TheJoeJohnson7) February 25, 2016
The #Nets have requested waivers on Joe Johnson, GM Sean Marks announced today: https://t.co/5RfxxvrSoi
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 25, 2016
Joe Johnson Destroys Jusuf Nurkic’s Ankles & Drains Game-Winning Three