Nets Waive Joe Johnson

The Joe Johnson era has officially come to an end in Brooklyn. On Thursday afternoon, the Nets announced they have requested waivers on the veteran forward.

“The Nets want to thank Joe for his many contributions to the team and the organization,” team general manager Sean Marks said in a statement. “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.”

Johnson was acquired by the Nets back in 2012 when the organization first moved to Brooklyn.  He joined forces with Deron Williams to form “Brooklyn’s Backcourt,” which produced three playoff appearances, but only one series win.  Williams was bought out over the summer, and now Johnson has endured the same fate.  He was nearing the end of his contract which made him the second-highest player in the NBA this season, so this move has little-to-no financial ramifications for the Nets.  Update: Marks says Johnson gave back $3 million of his remaining salary this season.

In 288 games with Brooklyn, Johnson averaged 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.  He is also a seven-time NBA All-Star, although only one of those appearances came as a member of the Nets.

Since he was waived before March 1., Johnson is eligible to sign with a contender and play in the postseason.  Even though he was waived, he cannot be claimed by any team.  He will clear waivers over the weekend and become a free agent.  Kudos to the Nets for giving him the chance to chase his first championship ring.  The team is 15-42 this year and going nowhere fast, so now Joe has a chance to make the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.

The 34-year-old Johnson released a statement through his Twitter account.

“Thank you to all of the Brooklyn and New York Fans for your support during my time with the Brooklyn Nets. I want to thank the Nets organization and I wish nothing but the best to the team. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and am excited to bring my talents to a new team.”

Johnson provided the Nets with many great moments during his time in Brooklyn, including five game-winning buzzer-beaters.  He also has more games played, minutes played, and points scored in a Brooklyn Nets uniform than any player in the team’s history.  He will become an unrestricted free agent again after the season, and reportedly has not ruled out a return to Brooklyn.

Marks has certainly been busy in his first week on the job, buying out the contracts of veterans Andrea Bargnani and Johnson.  The Nets roster now stands at 13 players, with 11 of them currently healthy.