Nets Acquire Johnson in Hopes of Getting Williams to Return

The Atlanta Hawks have agreed to trade Joe Johnson and his $89.3 million contract to the Brooklyn Nets. (Getty Images)

With the current roster they had, the Brooklyn Nets knew that they need to acquire a big name player to help convince free agent Deron Williams to return to the Nets, rather than the Dallas Mavericks. They took the first step by re-signing defensive-minded small forward Gerald Wallace to a four-year, $40 million deal. After failing to come to an agreement with the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard, the Nets moved northwest and found one of the biggest men available, Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks. Johnson was considered by many to be unmovable due to his enormous contract. His contract still owes him $89.3 million over the next four seasons. However, the Nets had the cap room and knew Johnson was the type of player they were looking for.

With the trade in place, the Atlanta Hawks are officially in rebuilding mode. It took new general manager Danny Ferry just one week on the job to transform the Hawks from a stagnate franchise to one thrust full force into rebuilding mode. While the team's fans might be initially disappointed, they have to realize it is the best move for the future. In return for Johnson, the Hawks receive the expiring contracts of Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, Jordan Williams, and DeShawn Stevenson. They also receive the Houston Rockets' lottery-protected first-round pick in 2013.

In a separate trade, the Atlanta Hawks sent Marvin Williams to the Utah Jazz in return for point guard Devin Harris. Williams never developed into the player everyone thought he would in Atlanta. Harris is a good value to receive in return. Both trades give the Hawks the needed cap room to rebuild. They also still have two of their best players, Josh Smith and Al Horford. The Hawks still have the option to trade either one or both of them. If they choose to move neither, the duo provides a core in which to rebuild around.

As I have already mentioned, the Nets will receive Joe Johnson. Johnson has declined over the last couple seasons, so they hope that a move will revive his career. This trade, of course, is in hopes of convincing Deron Williams to return to the Nets. Williams is currently mulling over decision to return to the Nets or to join the Mavericks. The Nets are offering Williams the maximum five-year, $100 million deal. That is one year and $25 million more than what the Mavericks can offer. The Mavericks will try to sell Williams on the fact that he can join Dirk Nowitzki in a quest to win another NBA title. The Nets will counter with the allure of playing in Brooklyn and beside Joe Johnson. Deron Williams has a tough decision to make to be sure.

Besides resigning Williams, the Nets will also focus on re-signing their other top free agents, Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, and Gerald Green. Each are expected to rejoin the team, especially if Williams re-signs. Also on the Nets' radar is Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic. Teletovic played last season in Spain, but is now looking to make the move to the NBA. He has the same agent as Williams and could be nice fit next season in Brooklyn. Regardless of Deron Williams' decision, the Nets are headed in a new direction, and it's much more than just their geographical move to Brooklyn.