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NBA Power Rankings: All 30 Teams’ Needs at Trade Deadline

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) dribbles against the Utah Jazz at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) dribbles against the Utah Jazz at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Brooklyn Nets

Previous: No. 22

Record: 21-31

Last Week: 0-0

Biggest Need: Future Cap Space

The Brooklyn Nets have the highest payroll in the NBA. At 21-31, that fact should be repeated as many times as possible until Brooklyn finds a way to create cap relief.

Fortunately for Billy King and company, help could be on the way.

Joe Johnson will make roughly $24.9 million in 2015-16, but that hasn’t stopped teams from expressing interest. As a proven postseason performer and a clutch maestro, Johnson’s value is well-known.

According to Ohm Youngmisuk and Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York, the Detroit Pistons could be in the market for Johnson’s services.

"The Detroit Pistons have reached out to the Brooklyn Nets to inquire about the availability of former All-Star swingman Joe Johnson, according to league sources. Sources told ESPNNewYork.com that no deal is imminent but said the teams have had exploratory discussions in advance of Thursday’s trade deadline about a trade package built around injured point guard Brandon Jennings and expiring contracts in exchange for Johnson. The Nets, sources said, are fielding inquiries this week on both Johnson andBrook Lopez but could well elect to keep their current core intact after exploring their trade possibilities with Johnson, Lopez and former All-Star guard Deron Williams dating to December."

If this move is possible, the Nets should act fast to get it done.

Brooklyn will pay Deron Williams $21 million and owe Brook Lopez $16.75 million in 2015-16. Kevin Garnett’s $12 million is coming off the books, but dealing Johnson and either Lopez or Williams would go a long way towards creating a brighter short and long-term future.

Regardless of how it gets done, Brooklyn needs cap relief.

Next: Trading a Former Top 5 Pick?