Brooklyn Nets

Report: Joe Johnson could be 'a prime candidate for a buyout'

Published Jan. 7, 2016 5:20 p.m. ET

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Joe Johnson is in the midst of his worst ever season, which could make the second-highest paid player in the NBA pretty tough to move. Even if his deal is expiring—Johnson becomes a free agent this summer—a team would have to give up loads of dollars just to match the $24.9 million salary Johnson, who is shooting 36 percent from the field and 31 percent from three, is owed this season.

The Nets aren't trying to take money that would stay on the books beyond this year, either, which would make trading Johnson even tougher. But that doesn't mean he'll still be a Net come the end of the end of the season.

From Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News:

There are a few ways a buyout could go down, but two scenarios seem most likely, both of which would only happen after the trade deadline passes, as Lawrence mentions:

1. If Johnson agrees to give back all or nearly all the money he is owed for the remainder of the year, so the Nets can convince themselves that getting worse is worth it merely to save a little dough.

2. If the Nets feel bad for Johnson, who is well-respected in the organization and has been a good citizen/teammate/person throughout all the losing, and basically agree to a good-karma buyout, which would allow J.J. to go to a contender.

Other than that, why should the Nets let him go for nothing? Brooklyn is still better with Johnson on the floor, and it's not like he's blocking much young talent from playing. Without a pick for the upcoming draft, the Nets have no incentive to tank, not even for a second-rounder, given that the Clippers will almost certainly capitalize on a second-round pick swap with them this June. 

Still, a buyout is comprehensible if only for the reasons above, and if it does happen, certainly keep an eye on those Clippers, who love to sign veteran buyout candidates come late February and early March.

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