Reports surfaced on Saturday that said the Atlanta Hawks were in discussions with the Brooklyn Nets for a trade involving Joe Johnson. However, Johnson would likely be a backup plan for the Nets in the case that they are unable to acquire Dwight Howard whom the Magic are now reportedly listening to trade offers for.
The Nets are in a tough situation that they are also trying to convince free agent Deron Williams to re-sign with the club. Acquiring Howard now would probably do so but the Nets can't afford to wait too long as Williams is also being pursued by other teams including the Dallas Mavericks.
Brooklyn has reached out to Gerald Wallace about re-signing and are trying to assemble a roster that Williams will feel good about joining. A Joe Johnson acquisition would give the Nets one of the best backcourts in the league. Atlanta is seeking salary flexibility and parting with Johnson would give them the room to offer a competitive offer to their own free agent Josh Smith.
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