We're Dealing: Nets Reportedly Trade for Johnson

The new-look Brooklyn Nets have been by far the most intriguing team to follow during the early stages of free agency.   

According to a report from ESPN's Chris Broussard and Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of dealing for Atlanta Hawks guard, Joe Johnson.  The report also states that this trade hinges on the highly anticipated decision from free agent guard, Deron Williams.  Bottom line is this; if Williams decides not to re-sign with the Nets then the trade with the Hawks for Joe Johnson will not go down. 

The Nets would be giving up quite a lot in order to receive Joe Johnson’s services.  Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar, Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, DeShawn Stevenson and a 2013 first round pick (lottery protected) from the Houston Rockets, would all be packaged up and sent to Atlanta for Johnson.

The Nets needed this news to surface.  Deron Williams reportedly began to meet with teams earlier today.  The two front runners are the Dallas Mavericks and his current team, the Brooklyn Nets. 

This news today also gives Brooklyn continued momentum from the Gerald Wallace commitment on Sunday.  Wallace apparently told the Nets that he would sign his deal on July 11^th, which is reportedly worth 40 million dollars over four years. 

All of these reports only help the cause for the Nets, who are going to be opening up in a new city and new arena come October.  However, this news is only good if their All-Star, Deron Williams, decides to join the team going forward. 

The possibility of bringing in Joe Johnson helps.  Johnson is a scorer and a big guard, weighing in at 6’7”/240.  He averaged just under 19 points per game last season with the Hawks, but his ability to spread the floor and help create opportunities for Williams and Wallace will be his biggest contribution to the Nets.

This is all speculation because the deal rest in Williams’ hands.  The backcourt of Williams, Johnson, and Wallace sounds pretty dynamic, but let’s not sit back and assume that this deal will go through though. 

In 2008 a similar situation arose with the LA Clippers.  The Clippers brought in guard, Baron Davis, to team up with good friend and All-Star, Elton Brand.  LA thought this would sure up Brand’s decision to re-sign with the team, but it didn’t.  Brand left for more money and joined the Philadelphia 76ers that same offseason.

If Brooklyn does end up with both Johnson and Williams next season, it surely makes them a playoff contender.  If Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard, gets dealt there next season then it makes them a championship contender.