NBA Rumors: Heat interested in Joe Johnson?

The Miami Heat might be targeting Joe Johnson if he’s bought out by the Brooklyn Nets. 

It seems that ever since trading for him so many years ago, the Brooklyn Nets have been trying to find a way out from under Joe Johnson. His massive contract set the team back financially and he hasn’t lived up to expectations in any way. Part of that is his fault but part of it is just bad strategy by the Nets. It now seems that the franchise could be dumping Johnson after all these years of things not working — but it probably won’t be in a trade.

While the trade deadline is the most exciting non-playoff part of the year in the NBA, the buyout market that is created in the wake of the trade deadline is equally as fascinating. The Miami Heat need something to turn their season around, and they may look to that buyout market to get things done.

As opined by NBA trade rumors guru Chuck Myron, the Heat have been linked to Joe Johnson but not in the trade market but the buyout market.

"Much, much more likely to be bought out than to be traded. The Heat have been linked to him for the buyout market."

This makes a lot of sense, as Johnson is still talented enough to be a veteran addition to a contending team. He’s wasting away in Brooklyn and would be far better suited on a team like Miami that actually has a shot at making a run at the NBA Finals this year. Johnson isn’t the missing piece for the Heat, as they need to pull things together regardless of what happens with Johnson. Adding a veteran of his caliber on the buyout market isn’t the worst idea ever though.

Brooklyn may have to eat a return on Johnson since he almost certainly won’t be traded. But they’ve probably gotten used to that at this point, as Brooklyn seems to be a franchise that can’t help but shoot itself in the foot at a consistent rate.