The Cleveland Cavaliers expressed interest in trading for Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Johnson prior to the start of this season, but talks stopped due to Johnson's enourmous $25 million salary. However, that may not be a factor for much longer.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Nets are working to buy out Johnson's contract, making him eligible to sign with any other team - and the Cavs are one of the frontrunners to land him.
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
Johnson plans to sign with a title contender, giving the Cavs a major leg up over the other teams that Stein lists. Cleveland.com's Chris Haynes reported earlier this month that the Cavs would "snatch him up" in an instant for the veteran minimum following the buy-out.
Johnson is averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game so far this season.
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