Cleveland Cavaliers Targeting Brooklyn Nets Guard Joe Johnson

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to beef up their wing rotation and are reportedly targeting veteran shooting guard Joe Johnson. The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly looking to unload Johnson’s huge but expiring contract this offseason.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com reported that the Cavs are willing to acquire Johnson and his $24.89 million contract and could use the nonguaranteed deal of center Brandon Haywood in a potential trade. Haywood is set to earn $10.52 million for the 2015-2016 season but teams with his rights can waive him before Aug. 1 and won’t have to pay the veteran center, who saw very limited action for the Eastern Conference champions last season.

The Nets are in rebuilding mode and moving Johnson would help the team’s financial situation. As per NBA trade rules, salaries should more or less match in any exchange and the Cavaliers will need to add more players to make the trade happen. Another player who Cleveland may be include in a trade for Johnson is Anderson Varejao, who is owed nearly $10 million for next season.

The 34-year-old Johnson is a seven-time NBA All-Star and has been linked to other teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, in this offseason. Johnson, despite his age, is still respected around the league for his veteran smarts and clutch shooting. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Nets last season.

If the Cavaliers land Johnson, the LeBron James-led squad will add offensive firepower to a lineup that already includes All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.