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Memphis Grizzlies in Pursuit of Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson?

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 5, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson (7) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the first quarter of a game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It has been reported that the Memphis Grizzlies have been in negotiations with the Brooklyn Nets centered around Joe Johnson.

Today, Marc Stein of ESPN reported some Memphis Grizzlies-related offseason news that involved trade talks between the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets. The supposed deal was centered around guard/forward Joe Johnson.

It is no secret that the Grizz want to acquire a scoring wing player while thinning out some of their own wings. They have too many players that cannot consistently knock down outside shots, which is a major reason why the team could not reach the Western Conference Finals in the 2014-15 season.

The main reason for the Memphis Grizzlies having a peaked interest in Joe Johnson is because he is a pure scorer that can create his own shot. He is a veteran with lots of postseason experience. He would be a huge weapon for the Grizz on the perimeter offensively. It is also easy to see why the Nets would want to shed the contract of JJ’s–aging and expensive.

Mar 5, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson (7) shoots a three-point shot over Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Tony Allen (9) during the third quarter of a game at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Grizzlies 103-94. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The negatives? Exactly that–aging and expensive. He is now 34 years old while being guaranteed $25 million in the upcoming season. That is a tremendous amount for any player, especially for a guy that could see his statistical production drop like a rock in any season.

Will the Johnson-to-Memphis deal actually occur? Personally,  highly doubt it because paying $25 million per year for the veteran guard/forward is a lofty price to pay–perhaps too lofty–without a guarantee of even being able to be a starting-quality scorer for the next two or three seasons. The Grizzlies are a veteran team indeed, but a younger player, such as Danilo Gallinari, could be a greater addition to the team–at a cheaper cost–in the near future as well as in the long run.

Continue to check Beale Street Bears for the latest news, info, and rumors of the offseason regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

Next: Marc Gasol has crossed the Lakers off his free-agency list?

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