http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/12/13/will-nets-buy-out-joe-johnson-if-they-dont-trade-him/
Spoiler:
The one close hanger is Joe Johnson cares about money. Is he willing to give up money for the quest of a championship? The Nets would be willing to let him go if they can save some money, but Johnson might be willing to play out his contract to keep every penny. But if a buyout does happen, expect title contenders to come knocking on his door. Heat, Cleveland, Clippers, Mavs and others will likely be at his front door the very first second he becomes a free agent.
How would Joe Johnson fit would be perfect? Not only he is a shooter, but he is a defender, a ball handler and has ice in his veins to take big shots. He would be an instant impact of this heat team. Johnson compliments Wade and Winslow, unlike Deng. The biggest impact of all would likely be for Dragic. We all seen how well Dragic looks with Green, it should be exponentially better with Johnson. How he fits with the roster would not be the only impact. But adding a player of his caliber without losing anything, would allow us to be big in the trading market without losing depth. As the Heat would be able to offer a package of Winslow, McBob and Deng for the likes of DeMarcus Cousins.
Boogie Cousin is the other player the Heat are keeping a close eye on. In a perfect world, the Heat would be able to add both Cousins and Johnson, and amazingly improves its flexibility to go after Durant, that could lead to one of the most ultimate lineups of all time. But before we get too far ahead with our fantasy team cough* cough* (Dragic, Wade, Durant, Bosh, Cousins, Whiteside, Johnson, TJ, Green).
First thing first, the Heat must present itself as contenders in order to compete in the bidder war for Johnson. It is highly important to stay neck to neck with the top teams in the east and maybe in the league, so that wouldn't be a pitch opposing teams would have against the Heat. Along with being a fit, respectable franchise and a contender, one pitch the Heat will have over others, they will have cap room this summer to resign Johnson to a respectable deal.
The Heat still have its work ahead of them. Hopefully the Heat can continually improve as a unit, as well as individuals such as Deng and McRoberts to increase their trade value. The Heat could be on track in remaking the team into a star budded roster only a year and half removed from the departure of Lebron James, with the start of adding Joe Johnson.
