Joe Johnson Buyout: Celtics, Cavs, Thunder Storylines

Joe Johnson Buyout And The Storylines Waiting On Him

Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) shoots a three-pointer during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Helping the King bring a ring to Cleveland?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the clear front-runner this season in the East. They’ve been rumored all year to have an interest in Johnson should he be bought out and they are by far the best team in the Eastern Conference.

If/when Joe Johnson is bought out, I'll be very surprised if he doesn't sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 25, 2016

While the Cavaliers have a strong team, their second unit hasn’t been spectacular. J.R. Smith may be entrenched as the starter, but Smith is temperamental, to say the least. Iman Shumpert has struggled to find his place in the rotation, Richard Jefferson (35) is even older than Johnson, and there are minutes for Johnson in Cleveland.

The Cavaliers need shooting; they play in a system that is endlessly starving for floor spacers. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will draw plenty of attention away from Johnson, leaving him open to convert from deep. Johnson is currently shooting a higher percentage from deep than any of the Cavaliers big three and should contribute immediately.

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