Categories: Cavs Rumors

Cavs Rumors: Cavaliers Exploring Trade Options for Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson

Published by
Brad Sullivan

What appears to be the latest attempt by the Cleveland Cavaliers to use the unique contract status of veteran center Brendan Haywood to their advantage is a rumor that the team is interested in trading for Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Johnson.

That rumor comes from Brian Windhorst of ESPN, who has indicated that in order to accommodate taking on a much larger salary (Johnson will make $24.89 million for the 2015-16 season), the Cavaliers could also possibly consider adding veteran center Anderson Varejao to the deal.

Haywood has a non-guaranteed contract for next season that would pay him $10.5 million. However, the Nets would be able to reduce their payroll by that amount if they waive him by August 1.

The 34-year-old Johnson is a 6’7″ swingman, who can play at shooting guard and small forward. Last season, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

Varejao will make $9.6 million this coming year, but is coming off a torn Achilles, and has had injury problems over the past few seasons.

Windhorst also speculates that the possible push to trade Varejao may be related to the the Cavs’ pursuit of David West.

Brad Sullivan

Brad Sullivan is a lead writer for Cavaliers Nation. He has spent much of life in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and has remained a Cavalier fan from their 1970 beginnings through the return of LeBron James. While that fandom was sorely tested during the Reign of Error known simply by one word, Stepien, that overall historical perspective will be part of his writing for Cavaliers Nation in the months ahead.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

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