Nets waive former All-Star Joe Johnson

Now, taking out Johnson – who hasn’t been stellar this season but was still one of Brooklyn’s better players – depletes the Nets that much more.

As long as Johnson is released by new Nets general manager Sean Marks by Tuesday, he’ll be playoff eligible for his next team. After a disappointing run with the team this season, though, there were rumors that they would get rid of the seven-time NBA All-Star.

The Nets announced the move Thursday after agreeing to a buyout of the remainder of Johnson’s contract – one of the largest in the National Basketball Association. “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”.

Johnson is averaging just 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists despite playing in 33.9 minutes per game.

The 34-year-old Johnson will first have to clear waivers before he can pick from any potential suitors. His $24.9 million salary this season is second only to Kobe Bryant at $25 million.

Earlier this month, Cleveland.com’s Chris Haynes reported that in the event the Nets were to reach a buyout with Johnson, the Cavaliers would be his eventual landing spot. According to CBS New York, Johnson has garnered some interest from Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Miami, Oklahoma City and Toronto.

Johnson was in the final season of a six-year, $123.6 million deal he signed with the Hawks prior to the 2010-11 campaign, per Spotrac.