Brooklyn Nets Roster News 2016: Joe Johnson Apparently Not Interested in Buyout
Joe Johnson has been a regular customer of criticism when he signed a huge contract with the Brooklyn Nets a few years back. With his team being constantly ridiculed as an underachiever in spite of the fact that it is one of the biggest spenders in the league, Johnson seemed to be pleased of where he's at right now.
The team is in turmoil right now, currently searching for a new head coach and general manager, not to mention the fact that they are 10-27. But those things don't bother the former All-Star since he reportedly wants to stay and won't give in into any buyout offer.
The 34-year-old will become a free agent after this season and the maximum contract he signed in 2010 will finally expire. For majority of players like him who is put in this kind of situation, and considering that he no longer is the same explosive scorer, accepting a buyout and joining a true contender are the best exit strategy.
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But Johnson is not that kind. He wants to be a Net, perhaps forever.
Talking to a bunch of reporters at that day when Deron Williams' contract was bought out, he couldn't have said it better. "It's not that bad here," he said.
One explanation of a team offering a buyout is that it no longer sees the player as part of the direction it is taking. So if Johnson decides against it, it suggests that Brooklyn won't have any other choice but to look for a team willing to accept him in a trade. But the biggest problem is finding one that is blind enough to swallow his salary.
There is no doubt that Johnson still has a lot left in him, but the main concern is the risk any team will get once they bite any offer from the Nets. For all intents and purposes, it certainly looks like Johnson will remain in Brooklyn until his contract expires after this season.
