Looking to still unload Brendan Haywood’s $10.5 million unguaranteed contract, the Cleveland Cavaliers are considering a trade for Brooklyn Nets All-Star Joe Johnson, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reports.
The Nets have been actively looking for trade partners for their two guard, who is owed $24.8 million for the upcoming season which is currently the second largest contract in the NBA behind Kobe Bryant’s $25 million.
Johnson received the large sum as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, and the Nets agreed to acquire the 34-year old in 2012 in hopes of creating a star-studded team with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. However, Brooklyn’s plans to form a championship team didn’t go quite well and the hefty contracts have affected their chances of rebuilding.
Johnson averaged 14.4 points this past season, his lowest average since the 2002-2003 season. Along with Johnson, the Nets are adamant on moving Deron Williams as well, but unloading both All-Stars would be a challenging task.
The Nets discussed a Joe Johnson trade with the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the summer, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement and talks have stalled since. But Brooklyn’s desire to trade Johnson remains keen.
The Cavaliers have been eagerly looking for more shooting after losing in six games to the jump shooting Golden State Warriors during the NBA Finals. Johnson could immediately solve that problem if indeed acquired by Cleveland.
As part of any possible trade, Cleveland may have to also include big man Anderson Varejao who will earn $9.6 million next season. Varejao is recovering from an Achilles tear suffered midway through the regular season. He is expected to make a full recovery by the start of the upcoming season and could provide rebounding and energy if headed to Brooklyn. Though, the key for Cleveland is to get rid of Haywood’s non-guaranteed contract first before it becomes guaranteed on August 1st.
Nonetheless, if the Cavaliers do incorporate Varejao in a trade, then they may intensify their pursuit of veteran forward David West, who has Cleveland on his list of destinations along with San Antonio.