The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly looked into trading for Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Joe Johnson this offseason. With his huge contract, the Cavs would have had to deal both Anderson Varejao and Brendan Haywood‘s contract, along with whatever value the Nets wanted, to get Johnson. Now, with the Cavs turning Haywood’s contract into a Traded Player Exception, the Cavs cannot trade for Johnson.
Joe could be bought out later this season, however, which would give the Cavs another shot at the veteran wingman, as noted in this ESPN discussion:
There are some folks around the league who wonder if the Nets would consent to buying out Johnson after the Feb.