The Brooklyn Nets were recently trying to bring in hometown player Lance Stephenson. He hasn’t been playing so well since leaving the Indiana Pacers and signing with the Hornets so Charlotte is also eager to get a deal done. The Nets however were unable to find a practical solution in unloading center Brook Lopez and couldn’t come to an agreement on a three-team trade despite discussing options with several teams. They put a hold on talks and now reportedly have a new solution; to move struggling guard Joe Johnson in the deal.
via Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
The Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets have restarted trade discussions, this time focused on guard Joe Johnson, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Hornets and Nets are discussing a larger package that would likely include guards Lance Stephenson and Gerald Henderson and forward Marvin Williams, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
According to the report Bobcats owner Michael Jordan has some interest in Johnson, who is owed $24.9 million next season, plus the rest of his $23.1 million for this season. Charlotte has won 8-of-10 and moved past the Nets to occupy the eighth and final playoff spot in the East if the postseason started today.
Though Johnson is battling knee tendonitis and has fallen off a bit production wise, he could prove to be a better fit alongside Kemba Walker who has not co-existed well with Stephenson. The Nets & Hornets seemed determined to get a deal done somehow, lets see if this one works out.
