The Celtics have done pretty well this year, but, like all teams not named the Warriors, Spurs, or Cavaliers, they can use a little help. And it turns out they might be looking for help from a soon-to-be former Brooklyn Net.
Joe Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets have opened buyout negotiations, ESPN has learned
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 25, 2016
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Sources tell ESPN several playoff teams (Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, OKC and Toronto) are already in pursuit of Joe Johnson
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 25, 2016
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Well then… this is an interesting development. If it happens, it’ll be the first time in 14 years his Basketball-Reference page is accurate.
The first thing to keep in mind is that the Celtics will likely add Johnson the same way Dallas added David Lee: with their $2 million room exception. So his salary, for once, would not be an issue.
Johnson’s biggest value to the Celtics would be as a three-point threat. For all of his faults, he’s still shooting 37% from 3 this year, which ranks him ahead of Jae Crowder percentage wise. I think having a 6’7″ guy in the mix that shoots 3’s at a slightly better rate than Crowder would be helpful. To that end, he could be helpful to a lot of teams that need that level of production.
It’s an interesting scenario to say the least, but I’m also betting it’s an unlikely one. Why wouldn’t he go to OKC, where he could get some of Dion Waiters’ minutes? Or Cleveland where he’s almost guaranteed a trip to the NBA Finals?
I think all things being equal, Johnson would prefer one actual legitimate shot at a ring. We can argue about whether he’d help or hurt Boston, but I don’t really expect it to become a reality.
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