With the Nets in front-office disarray and headed towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a question has popped up in some circles: would Joe Johnson, making $24.9 million in the final year of his contract, be receptive to a buyout to join a contender?
For now, it appears the answer is: no. Per ESPN’s Marc Stein:
All indications are the Nets' Joe Johnson, contrary to recent suggestions, presently has no interest in seeking a buyout in Brooklyn. So …
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 11, 2016
So if JJ holds firm to that stance chances greatly increase he finishes season w/Nets, since $25M is hard to trade even as expiring contract
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 11, 2016
With the Nets lacking a general manager, it might even be difficult to negotiate one with the team. Frank Zanin, Billy King’s second-hand man prior to King’s dismissal, has taken over the GM duties in the interim.
Johnson lead Lionel Hollins’s team in minutes played despite struggling to score and defend on the perimeter this season. It remains to be seen how he’ll be used under Tony Brown.
Earlier this season, Johnson told Andy Vasquez of the Record that his main priority in free agency was going to a winner.
