Windhorst: Cavs interested in acquiring Nets guard Joe Johnson

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN,  the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets are discussing a trade centered around Brooklyn Nets star Joe Johnson. The Nets have been actively trying to deal Johnson’s $24.9 contract this offseason, as the team looks to reduce its luxury tax for the 2014-15 season.

Brendan Haywood has a $10.5 million nonguaranteed contract if waived before August 1st, a trade chip that can help teams like the Nets reduce their cap space. The addition of Joe Johnson would help the Cavaliers get the perimeter help they need to take the next step after falling short in the 2015 NBA finals.

To make the contracts match, the Cavs would have to add other players like Anderson Varejao (who is owed $9.6 million this coming season). Last season, Varejao averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in 26 games.