The Brooklyn Nets do not want to start in their new home without having plenty of power on their team roster. How it appears as if the team will have its first big scorer, as they have agreed to a deal that will bring Joe Johnson, the shooting guard to the team from the Atlanta Hawks. The Nets however have paid a big price by picking up Johnson. The guard has four seasons left on his current contract that is worth $89 million.
The Nets, in exchange for getting Johnson agreed to send the Hawks DeShawn Stevenson, Anthony Morrow, Johan Petro and Jordan Farmar, and the lottery protected pick for next season obtained from Houston. Danny Ferry, the new general manager of the Hawk and his front office were looking to unload the huge contract of Johnson.
The pick that is lottery-protected is good until 2017, at which time it then becomes a second-round pick plus cash. That means, if Houston do make it to the playoffs prior to 2017, the Hawks will receive cash and a second round choice.
The Nets are hoping to re-sign their free agent Deron Williams or get a free agent to replace him, such as Steve Nash, a MVP twice in the league. The team wants Williams or someone like Nash to team with Johnson in the backcourt. Johnson averaged 18.8 points per game and has averaged nearly 18 over his 11-year NBA career.
If the Nets can re-sign Williams or pick up Nash, it might be difficult for them to get Orlando’s Dwight Howard. Howard reportedly reiterated that he only wants to be traded to the Nets. However, on Tuesday a report on Twitter said the Nets were negotiating with Orlando about a trade for Howard. The deal being discussed would have the Nets sending Marshon Brooks, Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries and three first round picks in the future for Howard.
