Sports Highlights

The Art of Flight In a blockbuster trade, the New Jersey Nets have acquired perennial All-Star Joe Johnson for a host of expiring contracts and one first round pick. The Nets desperately want stars and a playoff team their first year in Brooklyn, and while people expected them to hold out for Dwight Howard, they wanted to at least secure an All-Star if not All-NBA running mate should Deron Williams resign. Personally, I think this is a panic move that could possibly really hurt the Nets. Joe Johnson has four years and around 90 million dollars left on his deal, and can no longer be amnestied now that he has been traded. Additionally after already overpaying Gerald Wallace in free agency, the only way the Nets can get Dwight is if they can somehow get new Orlando GM Rob Hennigan to take their measly offer of Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, Marshon Brooks and some first round picks. For a player of Dwights caliber, two expiring contracts, a late first round pick rookie, and first round picks from a surefire playoff team would be an embarassing haul, so I do not expect the Magic GM to accept this offer. So while I understand somewhat why the Nets were so desperate to get some big name, at the end of the day Joe Johnson sells no season tickets, and really won’t get them past the second round, even if Deron Williams returns.  On the other side of this deal, the Hawks look to be in great shape. They got rid of Joe Johnson’s horrible contract in this trade, and Marvin William’s terrible contract in a trade for the Jazz, possibly putting themselves in a position to acquire Dwight. Atlanta is his hometown, and a package of Al Horford, Jeff Teague and some picks could entice the Magic. Great first moves by rookie Hawks GM and former Cavs GM Danny Ferry.