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NETS WAIVE JOE JOHNSON

By Net Income
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Joe Johnson, one of the superstars Mikhail Prokhorov hoped would lead his team to a championship, has been waived and presumably bought out, the team announced.

"The Nets want to thank Joe for his many contributions to the team and the organization," said GM Sean Marks. "Joe has been a quality professional since joining the Nets four years ago, was a valued member of three playoff teams, and provided many thrilling moments for his teammates and Nets' fans. We wish him much success in the future."

Marks told ESPN radio that Brooklyn recouped $3 million on the Johnson buyout. Johnson is the second Nets player to be waived by Marks in the last five days.  Andrea Bargnani was waived on Sunday.  The combination of the Johnson and Bargnani buyouts put the Nets nearly $5 million below the luxury tax threshold.

In three and a half seasons with Brooklyn, Johnson played in 288 games for the Nets, with averages of 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The seven-time NBA All-Star is a veteran of 15 NBA seasons, having played with Boston, Phoenix and Atlanta, prior to his stint in Brooklyn. He holds career NBA averages of 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

His greatest skill was his ability to sink the final shot of the game.  As John Schuhmann noted,

Johnson had not missed the playoffs in eight years and it's highly unlikely he will miss them this year.  The Cavaliers are the presumed front-runner in the competition for his services, although his old team, the Hawks, is also reportedly in the mix.  He cannot negotiate terms of his next deal until Saturday afternoon, when he clears waivers.

Johnson tweeted his farewell.

Brooklyn acquired Johnson in a blockbuster trade in July 2012, a trade that sent Jordan Farmar, Jordan Williams, DeShawn Stevenson, Johann Petro and Anthony Morrow to Atlanta along with a first round pick and an agreement to swap two additional picks.

The Nets roster now stands at 13 players, with 11 active. Jarrett Jack is out for the season, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will be reevaluated in about 10 days.

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