Maybe it’s that bad here after all.
The Brooklyn Nets and Joe Johnson have begun negotiations to buy out the end of Johnson’s contract with the team, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
Joe Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets have opened buyout negotiations, ESPN has learned
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 25, 2016
Johnson is in the last year of his contract, and is slated to earn $24.9 million this season. Of that $24.9 million, about $17.8 million is already guaranteed.
On WFAN radio, Nets general manager Sean Marks said that he’ll be speaking with Johnson about what he wants to do.
Sean Marks on Joe Johnson: “We’ll be talking to Joe and seeing what he really wants to do.”
— devin kharpertian (@uuords) February 25, 2016
More Sean Marks on Johnson: “I think he’s deserved the right to (play on a playoff team if that’s what he wants)."
— devin kharpertian (@uuords) February 25, 2016
Johnson has been coy when asked about a buyout in the past, merely keeping it to “we’ll see what happens” and declining to talk in depth about the possibility.
The Nets would need to buy out Johnson before March 1st for him to be eligible for a playoff roster. It’s been reported that should the two sides come to an agreement, the Cavaliers would be Johnson’s first choice, though Stein reports multiple teams are in the running.
Sources tell ESPN several playoff teams (Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, OKC and Toronto) are already in pursuit of Joe Johnson
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 25, 2016
Johnson has started in all 57 Nets games this season, averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. The Nets are 15-42 in those 57 games.
For more on how a Johnson buyout could affect the Nets, click here.
