Joe Johnson
Mark my words — in a couple of weeks time, Joe Johnson will be lacing up the sneakers for an NBA team that isn’t the Jazz. Whether that’s due to a deadline deal or a contract buyout remains to be seen.
Iso Joe will always be remembered in Jazzland for his playoff heroics last spring. Johnson’s contributions to the team’s first-round playoff series victory over the LA Clippers were numerous, but his buzzer-beating game-winner in the series opener was an all-time moment for the franchise —
Unfortunately, the Jazz and Joe Jesus no longer match one another. Father Time has caught up a bit to the seven-time All-Star, Utah has better big man options on the roster and Johnson would probably like a chance to win a title before he calls it quits. Rumor has it that he’s hoping for a trade.
Pulling one off could be tough for the Jazz, unless Johnson is packaged with one of the team’s more desirable players. A buyout may be the most likely outcome.
Trade odds: Moderate
Next: Derrick Favors