James Johnson: 5 potential landing spots in 2017 NBA free agency

4. Brooklyn Nets

This would be done primarily for two reasons.

From the Nets’ perspective, this would provide them the veteran leadership and overall skill-set that they’re completing lacking at this point. For Johnson, considering the Nets’ current salary cap position, this would provide him a terrific chance to get paid big time.

Currently, the Nets’ highest paid player is recently acquired center, Timofey Mozgov. Second on the list is guard Jeremy Lin. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the Nets are quite light on talent. While Johnson isn’t one of the marquee names on the open market, he would provide a real point for head coach Kenny Atkinson and his staff.

Also, it’s clear from recent reports that the Nets are actively looking for a veteran presence on the roster.

The New York Post recently reported that the Nets had expressed interest in signing veteran forward Taj Gibson. Instead, Gibson wound up signing a two-year, $28 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to see the Nets offer a deal somewhat similar to Johnson, depending on how everything pans over the coming days. This would provide Johnson with a significant pay raise, while also leaving him the opportunity of re-entering the market down the track, presuming his form from last season can continue.