5 Best Fits If Brooklyn Nets Buy Out Joe Johnson

Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets small forward Joe Johnson (7) drives against New York Knicks small forward Lance Thomas (42) and power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Knicks 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during their game against the Detroit Pistons at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pistons 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have built a very promising future around DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, and Jonas Valanciunas. Much of that potential is being realized in 2015-16, as Toronto currently holds sole possession of the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

With all due respect to the players who are currently on the roster, one simply can’t help but wonder who will get the final shot in a big game.

Lowry is a clutch player, but he and the Raptors have lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. DeRozan is developing, but he endured that same fate with Lowry in 2014 and 2015.

Joe Johnson doesn’t offer what he used to, but his value in late-game situations could be what Toronto needs to take the next step.

In Toronto, Johnson wouldn’t be forced to shoulder much of an offensive load. DeRozan and Lowry have two of the highest usage rates in the NBA, and both have become willing facilitators who seek out open shooters along the perimeter.

Not only would Lowry and DeRozan make Johnson’s life easier, but the veteran wing could see a spike in efficiency and a bigger contract this coming summer because of it.

Next: The Almost Contender