Brooklyn Nets agree buyout with Joe Johnson and waive All-Star
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 25/02/16 11:20pm
The Brooklyn Nets have waived seven-time All-Star guard Joe Johnson to enable him to join an NBA play-off contender.
The 34-year-old will be able to join a new team on Saturday afternoon when he clears waivers, with multiple teams already having shown an interest in the expert three-point shooter after the rest of his contract was bought out.
Johnson was averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 assists and three rebounds per game this season for the Nets, but they boast a paltry 15-42 record and rank 14th of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference.
He has been one of the highest paid players in the NBA since signing a six-year, $124m contract with the Atlanta Hawks back in 2010 - Johnson was traded to the Nets in 2012 for a package of five players and a first-round draft pick.
Nets general manager Sean Marks said: "Joe has been a quality professional since joining the Nets four years ago, was a valued member of three play-off teams, and provided many thrilling moments for his team-mates and Nets' fans. We wish him much success in the future."
But Marks said there was still a chance Johnson could return to Brooklyn next season if he does not secure a long-term deal with his next team.
He added: "You never know what's going to happen with the future. But if he ends up somewhere else, we're basically saying, 'Joe best of luck to you and we'll catch up with you down the road. It's been fun.'
"But I'm not going to rule anything out. But at the same time we've got some different things on our horizon, I guess, right now."
