When the Brooklyn Nets waived guard Deron Williams, it was reported that they did not intend to trade Joe Johnson, whose name had been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies. Now, NetsDaily is reporting that the Nets "were never aggressively marketing" Johnson, and they expect him to be better and happier without Williams:
Various sources inside the Nets have suggested that the departure of D-Will is likely to help Johnson rebound. It was no secret that Brooklyn's Backcourt didn't get along.
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One insider, asked after the buyout if the Nets were still pursuing a Johnson trade, firmly said no. He volunteered there was probably no one more pumped about the buyout than Johnson. "I am sure Joe will have a tremendous season," he added with a smile.
NetsDaily also reported that an ambiguously aimed, negative tweet from early November -- just a couple of days before Johnson vented to the media that the team was "very selfish" -- was "believed to be about his relationship with Williams." The two have shared a backcourt since 2012, and Brooklyn has been underachieving for the vast majority of that time. It's not like they were openly sniping at each other or feuding in public, but given how this team has played, reports of chemistry issues won't shock anyone.
After the Nets were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks, Johnson told reporters that he knew they wouldn't come back with the same roster. "I don't think anyone is indispensable, and that includes me," he said. As he enters the final year of his massive contract, it looks like he'll remain with the team until he's a free agent. Even if Brooklyn never seriously tried to move him, however, these things can change quickly. All it takes it one team, between now and the trade deadline, to offer the Nets a deal that would improve their long-term outlook.
