According to reporters covering Brooklyn Nets practice Tuesday, Nets forward Joe Johnson admitted he would talk to his agent in the next week about his future with the Nets and in the NBA, and possibly the pros and cons of a buyout.
Joe Johnson said he won't ask for a trade. Is he open to a buyout? "Honestly, I don't even know." Plans to talk with agent in the next week.
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) February 2, 2016
Johnson added that he hasn’t requested and won’t request a trade from the Nets, despite the team’s dismal performance.
JJohnson did not discount #Nets but as free agent "I just want a winning situation. Its not going 2 B 2 no highest bidder nothing like that"
— Fred Kerber (@FredKerber) February 2, 2016
#Nets JJohnson in past named in trade talk. Recently: "I havent heard nothing…Nothing has come up like I feel something's going 2 happen"
— Fred Kerber (@FredKerber) February 2, 2016
#Nets Joe Johnson eluded buyout talk & report saying he not interested. "Honestly I don’t know. We’ll talk next week" w/ agent, he sed
— Fred Kerber (@FredKerber) February 2, 2016
At Nets today, where Joe @TheJoeJohnson7 Johnson said he hasn't asked to be traded, and won't.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) February 2, 2016
"I’m a professional, man. Obviously, this late in my career, this isn’t the ideal situation. But I’m not forcing anything.'' Johnson said.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) February 2, 2016
More Joe: "Obviously, this is a tough situation, but we’re all in this together and everybody in this locker room is who we got.''
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) February 2, 2016
Johnson is in the midst of a tough season on all levels. The 12-37 Nets are the first team Johnson’s been on that won’t make the playoffs since the 2006-07 season, and Johnson’s overall scoring and efficiency numbers have dropped sharply this season. He’s currently averaging 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 34.2 minutes per game, and his effective field goal percentage (which factors the value of a three-pointer) of 45.6% is his lowest since his rookie season.
Johnson is in the final year of his contract, and will make $24.9 million this season. He would have to be bought out and sign with another team by March 1st to be eligible for a playoff roster. The trade deadline is February 18th, but Johnson’s massive salary makes it difficult to match him with a potential trade partner. The Nets currently do not have a general manager.
