Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors: Joe Johnson Could Be Missing Piece To Puzzle

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When LeBron James hurriedly walked off the court after Game 6 of the NBA Finals it was clear his mind was already racing. Holding his head defiantly high but with a clear sense of frustration, the NBA’s best player once again realized he can’t win a championship on his own.

Of course the Cleveland Cavaliers were without two of the big three they had keenly put together in the offseason, and if Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving had been available to play who knows what would have happened. But, without them LeBron was playing with many guys he probably wouldn’t have looked twice at when the season began.

As soon as the Finals ended, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert reassured LeBron that they would do whatever he wanted to make the team better, essentially providing him with a blank checkbook and a pen to make sure the team landed whoever he wanted.

After making sure Kevin Love re-signed and giving a strong backing to Tristan Thompson, the team is now rumored to be actively pursuing Joe Johnson in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

Johnson is a proven veteran who at times was regarded as one of the best wings in the game. Now, at 34 years old and in the twilight of the his NBA career, he is more of a role player who provides just the kind of spark that the Cavaliers could use, and potentially the final piece to making the Cavaliers the clear favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals.

For his career Johnson is averaging 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals — some pretty impressive numbers that are only bolstered when you take into account that Johnson has played in less than 50 games in 15-year career once. Not only is he a proven scorer, but his durability is something that makes him even more of an entertaining prospect for the Cavaliers.

Many names have been linked to being a piece in the Johnson deal on the Cavaliers’ end. Brendan Haywood and Anderson Varejao appear to be the two players most likely on the move if Johnson is to come to Cleveland.

The reason why the Nets are so keen on getting rid of Johnson is the fact that he will make the second most money in the NBA next season behind Kobe Bryant. His $24.9 million salary is something the Nets ownership just isn’t willing to hold on to.

For the Cavaliers it’s all about being ambitious every single season, because that is the right thing to do for a team that has the world’s best player. If they are able to bring in Johnson they would be a surefire lock to make the Finals again, and this time maybe even hoist the championship trophy.

Douglas Ammon is an NBA Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Who covers all things about the Association, follow him on Twitter @DA76er

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