The Brooklyn Nets have made some noise in the NBA free agency, most recently agreeing to a buyout with former starting point guard Deron Williams. His backcourt mate seven time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson has been rumored in numerous trade destinations, but at the end the Nets might just keep him.
ESPN sources say Nets are now indeed 'intent" on keeping Joe Johnson. Finding a way to move D-Will, sources say, was their "preferred route"
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 10, 2015
ESPN’s Marc Stein reported last night that by the Nets reaching a buyout with Williams was a way to keep Johnson all along.
The Nets also kept their starting frontline in Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young by inking them to new long term deals earlier this month.
The main question remains does Johnson want to be in Brooklyn?
Johnson, who turned 34 in June is towards the tail end of his career and doesn’t seem to want to be in a rebuilding situation which clearly the Nets are in. Recent departures include Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Shaun Livingston, Mason Plumlee and most recently Williams.
These departures leaving Johnson in a situation where it be difficult to contend for a title.
Will wait to hear from Johnson on what he desires from the Nets.