Rumor has it that the Detroit Pistons apparently made a move to acquire former All-star swingman Joe Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets, according to ESPN. Speculations reveal that the deal is about to get sealed, but the teams want to take on a trade package involving injured point guard Brandon Jennings and other players whose contracts are nearly expired.
Although the Pistons have been pretty well-off in the Eastern Conference, analysts believe that they can actually make it to the playoffs. Fan Sided is convinced that the team is actively venturing into trade talks before the established deadline, which is in less than 24 hours, to make a play for that eight seed.
Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York is confident that the Pistons believe in Johnson's capacity to push them for the postseason, considering that the last time the team experienced it was in 2009.
"Certainly, Joe Johnson, even though he makes a lot of money, still has a lot of tread on the tires and still can play and help any team," David Aldridge said on NBA TV, as per Detroit Free Press. "And, Detroit, all of a sudden, is in the playoff race. So, they're thinking, 'Hey. We can, maybe, get a player in Joe Johnson and get a player for Brandon Jennings who's out for the season with an Achilles injury.'"
To date, it remains unclear whether the discussions went further than phone calls.
SB Nation remarked that the Nets are interested in unloading not only Johnson but Deron Williams as well. The report also stated that they had just recently signed Brook Lopez.
Meanwhile, The Pistons became a relatively better team after they waived Josh Smith, but fell back with 4-7 in their last 11 games. Still, Aldridge is convinced that the Pistons can make it to the playoffs despite the fallback.
"The Nets don't really care what happens," Aldridge said. "They'd like to make the playoffs, but, realistically, they're not going to be a championship contender. It's probably more important for Detroit to make the playoffs than it is for Brooklyn to make the playoffs. So, that's Detroit's motivation to push for that deal."
Taking on Johnson appears to be a logical choice for the Pistons. Although his production may be down, everyone knows that he is still a reliable shooter and playmaker as well as knowledgeable in taking command on the double teams. As of the moment, the Pistons have to completely rely on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jodie Meeks, and Kyle Singler.