New Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks was handed a daunting task when he became the general manager of the Nets just about a week ago. Marks did not budge at the trade deadline, despite some interest in some of his assets, but he did make his first move as general manager when he cut ties with failed former first overall pick, Andrea Bargnani. The Italian big man didn’t make it through his first season with the Nets and it appears Marks tear through remaking the roster isn’t done.
Former NBA All-Star forward Joe Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets have started buyout negotiations to let the veteran wingman chase a title with another team.
Following from Marc Stein of ESPN.
Joe Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets have opened buyout negotiations, ESPN has learned
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 25, 2016
Sources tell ESPN several playoff teams (Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, OKC and Toronto) are already in pursuit of Joe Johnson
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 25, 2016
Remarkably, once the negotiations are finalized, Johnson will join a star-studded list of failed projects by the Brooklyn Nets. Recent Nets buyout victims include the aforementioned Bargnani and former NBA All-Star Deron Williams.
Bargnani reaching a buyout with the team is not that big of a deal as the Nets simply took a chance on a guy who said he would have played for the Nets for free. Johnson and Williams on the otherhand were viewed as the future saviors of the Nets when they came to Brooklyn and were joined by Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to chase an NBA title.
In 2012, the Nets traded some future assets for Joe Johnson and in 2013 they completely threw away any idea of a future in the Pierce-Garnett deal. Now Brooklyn is left to recover and it will be without the guys they thought would bring them to a title.
UPDATE: The Nets have officially waived Joe Johnson.
The Brooklyn Nets have requested waivers on Joe Johnson, General Manager Sean Marks announced today.
“The Nets want to thank Joe for his many contributions to the team and the organization,” said Marks. “Joe has been a quality professional since joining the Nets four years ago, was a valued member of three playoff teams, and provided many thrilling moments for his teammates and Nets’ fans. We wish him much success in the future.”
