There has been much talk this season about the future of Joe Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets. The veteran shooting guard is on an expiring deal with a team that is nowhere near contending. Additionally, his $25 million salary makes him nearly impossible to trade.
Due to the current circumstances, there were previously rumors swirling around a potential buyout between the Nets and Johnson. A buyout would allow the Nets to move on and clear a roster space for a younger player while taking a smaller financial hit. It would also allow Johnson to join a contender on a minimum salary deal so that he can contribute in winning a championship.
The logic is certainly there to some extent, but according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, Johnson has no interest in such an agreement:
All indications are the Nets' Joe Johnson, contrary to recent suggestions, presently has no interest in seeking a buyout in Brooklyn. So …
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 11, 2016
So if JJ holds firm to that stance chances greatly increase he finishes season w/Nets, since $25M is hard to trade even as expiring contract
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 11, 2016
With the Nets currently under no clear leadership after the firing of Lionel Hollins and Billy King, there is a high chance that Johnson will finish out his contract with the team.
