NBA Rumors: Joe Johnson Waived By Nets; Celtics Among Interested Teams

UPDATE (3:37 p.m. ET): The Brooklyn Nets have requested waivers on swingman Joe Johnson, cutting ties with him after three-plus seasons.

“The Nets want to thank Joe for his many contributions to the team and the organization,” new Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Brooklyn Nets swingman Joe Johnson wasn’t moved before last week’s NBA trade deadline, but he still might have the opportunity to end the season with a different team if his contract is bought out.

ESPN’s Marc Stein reported via Twitter on Thursday that buyout discussions between Johnson and the Nets have begun. Stein also reported the Boston Celtics are among the teams “already in pursuit” of Johnson.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Thursday in a radio interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub that he wasn’t interested in any of the buyout candidates so far. Johnson, of course, could change that mindset.

The Celtics are an enticing option for Johnson, but for a veteran who never has won a championship, Boston doesn’t give him the best chance of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time.

The most logical destinations are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Both of these teams could use additional outside shooting to stretch the floor for players who attack the rim. Johnson also would provide valuable bench scoring as a player with a career average of 17 points per game.

Johnson is averaging 11 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 57 games for the Nets this season. He began his career with the Celtics after Boston selected him 10th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft.

Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images