NBA

Report: Joe Johnson Traded To Brooklyn Nets

According to Nets Daily, the Brooklyn Nets have completed a trade for Atlanta’s Joe Johnson. The move is one designed to keep Deron Williams from leaving town, much like that ill-advised birthday message. But unlike the saddest birthday truck ever, this move actually makes sense.

Citing “league sources,” the Hawks are getting “expiring contracts” and a first round pick in return for Johnson — although it won’t be the Nets’ first round pick. The Nets also didn’t have to part with MarShon Brooks and Gerald Green, so, again: not bad!

The details:

Johnson, who is still owed $89.3 million over the next three years, was dealt for Anthony Morrow; Jordan Farmar, who will be bought out at Atlanta’s expense; Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, a signed-and-traded DeShawn Stevenson and the Rockets 2013 lottery protected first round pick.

The deal won’t be final until July 11th. According to ESPN, it’s contingent upon Deron Williams staying with the Nets (which, if true, is a rather glaring contingency).

Is this enough to keep Deron Williams? Will the Nets still have the cap space to go after Dwight Howard? Interesting times in Brooklyn. Chime in with your thoughts in the comments.

[Nets Daily]