Right around 3:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, the Brooklyn Nets made the long-awaited buyout of Joe Johnson official, waiving the swingman after three-and-half years with the team. Johnson, who averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 57 games this season, will be on waivers until 5 p.m. EST on Saturday. Soon thereafter, we'll learn where he lands next.
Already the rumors are out there.
Cleveland is said to be Johnson's preferred landing spot, at least according to one report from last week.
"Should Johnson, 34, obtain a buyout of his $25 million salary for the season, Cleveland would be his next destination, sources with knowledge of the dialogue told Cleveland.com," wrote Cavs reporter Chris Haynes.
But Cleveland isn't alone in its pursuit.