Atlanta Hawks: Hawks agree to trade Joe Johnson to New Jersey, Marvin Williams to Utah
The Hawks and Nets have agreed to terms on a trade that would send All-Star guard Joe Johnson to Brooklyn for multiple players with expiring contracts and a first-round draft pick, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
Update: The Hawks also have agreed to trade forward Marvin Williams to Utah for point guard Devin Harris, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement.
Trades can’t be officially consummated until the NBA moratorium ends on July 11 but the person said the Hawks have agreed on the framework of the deals with the Nets and Jazz.
The person said in exchange for Johnson, the Hawks would receive Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Johan Petro, DeShawn Stevenson and Jordan Williams from the Nets. Atlanta also would receive the lottery-protected, 2013 first-round draft pick that the Nets acquired in a trade with the Rockets.
Williams is meeting with the Nets and Mavericks today. The Nets plan to pair Johnson with Williams and re-sign free-agent center Brook Lopez to form the core of the team when it plays its first season in Brooklyn in 2012-13.
It was initially believed Atlanta’s deal with the Nets is contingent on Williams agreeing to re-sign with Brooklyn but multiple reports now say the agreement will remain in place even if Williams decides to go elsewhere.
If the deal goes through, the Hawks would be left with less talent but with more ability to make major moves in the future after shedding Johnson’s contract. Such flexibility was the stated goal of Hawks GM Danny Ferry after he was hired last week.
Johnson, 31, is owed nearly $90 million over the final four years of a contract he signed in summer 2010. It was the richest contract in the league at the time, though Derrick Rose now is owed more than Johnson since signing a contract extension.
The Hawks could be in position to clear roughly $30 million in salary-cap space after the 2012-13 season. Chris Paul and Dwight Howard are among the players eligible to become free agents next summer.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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1,057 comments Add your comment
Devil's Advocate
July 2nd, 2012
9:02 pm
The Thrashers got put out of town because the Thrashers have a weak fanbase as far as $$$ goes. Money talks and BS walks. If the Thrashers were the more financially sound franchise they’d be here today. One trip to the playoffs then swept into mediocrity.
random
July 2nd, 2012
9:05 pm
@EmirS.
They have no sf on payroll i think so they needed marvin, funny as that may sound.
glw
July 2nd, 2012
9:05 pm
@JHawk,
I feel what you are saying, but if the Nets are in the finals next spring with D12 and Johnson, its going to hard for Atlanta fan to see.
@JustJoe
Well time is running out on Orlando, I think their first choice would be to trade Howard to the Lakers and get Bynum back, but the Lakers not doing it unless Dwight is going to stay long term. In the end, Brooklyn can still come with a package of Lopez, Brooks, draft picks and some combo of Wallace, Green, or Humphries. Orlando will bleed them dry probably, because with those S&T deals they have to be simulatenous, so when it comes time next week for contract to be signed some agreement would have to be in place, or maybe they would have to wait to next summer, and try the same S&T as they would be capped out. But if Humphries, Wallace or Lopez flop out next year, and dont play to what they are being paid, then Orlando wouldnt take them back. I know it sounds complicated.
Erik
July 2nd, 2012
9:06 pm
I’ve thought about it a little more and I don’t think that Josh is the type of player Ferry wants. I think Ferry wants guys that are totally committed to the team concept and have very little ego (i.e. Horford). Josh is too busy chucking long jumpers, pretending to play point guard, complaining to refs, and asking for trades to fit into that mold. It would take a HUGE personality change to fit Josh into what Ferry wants. Look at what San Antonio has built. Look at the type of players they have. THAT is what Ferry wants.
And for those of you that think Ferry wants Howard…you’re way, WAY off. I don’t think he’d touch him with a 10 foot pole. Not only is he not the right fit mentally but he’s also going to cost a TON of money.
kbatuc
July 2nd, 2012
9:08 pm
Probably a good move, although I don’t think we should completely start over here. Hopefully we have the money now to do something significant. Let’s build on what we already have with Horford and Josh, and developing in Teague and Zaza. Harris will be a good addition. The rest are trade fodder. I went to the Nets game last year and the guys we got from them are not going to help. Despite all the bitching going on here, the past five years have been exciting and its been good to be in the playoffs again, so good luck Joe and Marvin who helped get us back in the playoffs. There were many great games that I’ll always remember. Go Hawks!
Reality Check
July 2nd, 2012
9:08 pm
“I hope you don’t have a nervous break down now that it appears that Josh is happy and may resign along with the possibility of signing his child hood buddy Dwight…”
Melvin, you shouldn’t get your hopes up just yet. All Josh supposedly tweeted was that “Ferry changed the perception of the organization in one day”. That’s quite a leap from there to re-signing. What if he had the chance to go to say NYK? Can you guarantee that he would stay?
Melvin
July 2nd, 2012
9:11 pm
I wonder if the Magic would like a Nets package of Wallace, Lopez, Brooks and/or other pieces for Dwight vs what the Hawks could put together?
Brian
July 2nd, 2012
9:12 pm
Steps in the right direction…….
Just Joe
July 2nd, 2012
9:12 pm
Lang Greene reporting Josh now recruiting Dwight to come to Atlanta.
mountain_jim
July 2nd, 2012
9:16 pm
I bet Ferry watched how badly LD got outcoached by Doc in that series and will be upgrading at coach next year if not sooner.
the truth
July 2nd, 2012
9:17 pm
Good trade. Hawks go from a 3 or 4 with a first round playoff loss to a possible 8 seed with a first round playoff loss or lottery pick with money available and an extra draft pick. No one is going to challenge Miami or Oklahoma right now so might as well build for 5 years from now.
Ctrim
July 2nd, 2012
9:18 pm
Wish Joe and Marvin the best of luck moving forward. Can’t blame either one of them for signing their contracts. Congrats Ferry for cleaning up the mess. We have a lot of holes but plenty of time to fill out our roster thru either free agency or more trades.
Tommy
July 2nd, 2012
9:19 pm
Farmar just got bought out.
Danny Ferry for Mayor of ATL
July 2nd, 2012
9:20 pm
Danny Ferry is DA MAN!!!! That’s better news than the Saints Bounty case.
Tommy
July 2nd, 2012
9:21 pm
David Aldridge@daldridgetnt
Subtract another $1.5M RT @NetsDaily Hearing Farmar will be bought out for $1.5M as soon as deal is done. He preferred buyout to opt-out.
David Aldridge@daldridgetnt
Correction: Hawks save $2.75 million if they buy out Jordan Farmar for $1.5M. His deal for this season was $4.25M.
Melvin
July 2nd, 2012
9:21 pm
Reality Check,
Knicks will be over the salary cap for at least the next 5 years. Even if Josh wants to go to NYK, he would have to work with the Hawks in a sign and trade. No leverage for Josh in that scenario…
The Monger
July 2nd, 2012
9:21 pm
Greatest move in Hawks history!!! Ferry should win GM of the year!!! I cant believe this I am so happy Ferry got rid of Joe “No heart, no champion attitude, no leadership” Johnson!!! And he got rid of Marvin IN THE SAME DAY!!! He automatically wins GM of the year, and is my new best friend!! Bravo!!! The Hawks just got rid of $155 million dollars worth of mistakes in less than 24 hours. I really think I am going to like Ferry for years to come!!
Tommy
July 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
Total Hawks savings thus far (yes, I’m assuming Marvin Williams wouldn’t leave $7.5M on the table next year): a little more than $96M.
The Monger
July 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
I BOW TO YOU FERRY!!! Danny Ferry for president!!! I am wiping off the tears of joy, like a bride on her wedding day! I never thought this day would come….OH PRAISE THE FERRY!!!!!
PaulieOldschool
July 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Danny Ferry!
kirkinga
July 2nd, 2012
9:24 pm
Getting rid of Marvin and Joe doesn’t really tell us much about Ferry’s basketball philosophy. Almost anyone taking over the team would want cap space. Even casual basketball fans knew that cap space > Johnson’s contribution.
What Ferry does with Josh and/or Al will tell us more about how he will construct the team than what he did today.
Mr.E
July 2nd, 2012
9:24 pm
I’m beginning to think Ferry was a former blogger here.
Just Joe
July 2nd, 2012
9:25 pm
If my math is right, the Joe Johnson trade should create a $4M trade exception. Hawks could use that to target a SF on an expiring deal like Corey Brewer in Denver. He’s not a shooter, but he is a “team first guy” that plays hard. Denver is loaded on the wings and could actually use a roster spot if they plan on bringing over their draft pick Evan Fournier.
Reality Check
July 2nd, 2012
9:25 pm
Melvin,
If the NYK were to move Amare, Josh could take his place. If Joe can be traded, so can Amare.
jhan
July 2nd, 2012
9:26 pm
SlimJr – looks like two offensive fouls to me.
I’m guessing CP3 or D12 is an option – doubt if both happen.
Melvin
July 2nd, 2012
9:26 pm
Even if the Hawks dont get Dwight, they will still have enough money to offer big contracts to Bynum or CP3 next summer.
I also remember reading an article during the playoffs that Bynum worksout in ATL in the summer and may own a house there….. Hmmmm
BILLY KNIGHT
July 2nd, 2012
9:28 pm
MISS ME NOW???????????????????
Sautee
July 2nd, 2012
9:28 pm
“What Ferry does with Josh and/or Al will tell us more about how he will construct the team than what he did today.” – kirkinga
Co-sign Kirk. Welcome back.
Brian Kim
July 2nd, 2012
9:28 pm
the best Hawks news since the signing of Dominique.
Sautee
July 2nd, 2012
9:34 pm
Also welcome back old-timers mykhalc, jhan, and lacsho. Good to see you guys in the room. You too, Big Ray, though you’ve lurked some lately..
Now where are MannyT and HB Ando?
Astro Joe
July 2nd, 2012
9:34 pm
Melvin, I missed the Ferry quote where he mentioned some long-term love for Josh. Can you post that link for me? Don’t get too comfortable. Here’s hoping that Josh is thinking to himself, “it looks like this guy is doing what it takes to build a winner, if I want to stick around, I better stay on my meds”.
G Man
July 2nd, 2012
9:35 pm
Danny Ferry is the man. i’ve been away for the last 3 years because there is no way JJ should have gotten that max contract then. I am amazed that DFerry could get rid of the two impediments to long term Hawks success just like that. Job well done already. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is all about summer 2013. Can’t wait for it to arrive. Draft picks and money to play with for a couple of free agents. Let’s Go Hawks!!!
kirkinga
July 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
@Sautee, thanks, but I never left. I just got bored with covering the same ground over and over. Now we have fresh territory ahead though some are still defending/finding excuses for the same stuff.
I still contend that Game 2 against Boston was a watershed moment for this team.
The Monger
July 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
My only problem and its very minor, is I wish Ferry (if at all possible) would have taken less expiring contracts. I mean thats 5 guys we are stuck with this year, so we will have to make out our bench with guys like Petro, Farmar, Morrow, Stevenson, and Williams. None of these guys are quality bench players, although Farmar is not bad from time to time. I just wish we could have got this deal done with only 2 or 3 of these guys. Although, since I imagine these 5 are not getting paid that much (maybe Stevenson is), I suppose Ferry could still choose to waive these bums, and sign different minimum level veterans to make up our bench…similar to last year (T-Mac, Vlad, Willie G), and sign them all to one year deals. Than next year we start clean from all 5 of the ex-Nets and this years bench, and we can truly start from scratch with just Horford, Teague, ZaZa, the 2 rookies, and maybe Josh. Still though….brilliant first week for FERRY!!!
Melvin
July 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
Reality Check,
It’s impossible to know what the Knicks salary cap would look like next season b/c they are planning to resign Lin and Novak this season. Right now, the Knicks have 57mil in committed salaries in 2014 (including Amare). Even if you clear Amare 20mil, I doubt if they would have enough space under the cap to sign Josh.
Heisenberg
July 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
Joe Johnson’s contract and Marvin Williams in the same day! Danny Ferry is already front runner for exec of the year award. Earlier I theorized the plan would be to move Josh next and it still appears to be the logical path, but I can see the longer shot of dealing Al to Orlando for Howard, then trying to sign both to an extension. That would put butts in the seats.
Ben
July 2nd, 2012
9:37 pm
Gotta give credit to the ASG for finally stepping up and getting a good GM in here and apparently willing to spend whatever it takes
St Louis issa callin...
July 2nd, 2012
9:39 pm
Damn….there issa team out there dumber than ours….the Brooklyn Nets…..omg.
sam
July 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
Great job getting rid of Joe. A really good player, but obviously NOT A LEADER, much less a superstar.
Now let’s concentrate on the REAL leader of this team, whether he is considered a superstar or not – JOSH SMITH. He fits every adjective Ferry says he wants in a player. He is NOT disgruntled – he simply wants to win. He gives 100% all the time and has improved every facet of his game. AND, most of all, he is a LEADER. When LD spoke after the Boston loss, the only player he singled out was Josh – that he gave everything he had all season and never complained, even when playing hurt. Please, everyone, learn to appreciate his many, many attributes and see what he, Al and Jeff can do. I think alot of people will be surprised.
Melvin
July 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
Astro,
I don’t have the quote you are asking for nor do I think it exist. But I do remember reading a quote that said Ferry wanted to have a face to face sit down with Josh. I noticed he never mention having a sit down with Joe or Marvin before he traded their azz out of here….LOL
Big Mike
July 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
Sounds like a bunch of people are content about sucking this next year, just so they can potentially be better in the long term future. :rolls eyes:
Big Mike
July 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
:rolls eye:
Big Mike
July 2nd, 2012
9:41 pm
:roll eyes:
Jason
July 2nd, 2012
9:42 pm
I think some of you are looking at this the wrong way. The biggest thing about these players is that they have EXPIRING CONTRACTS. Which means after next season they’ll be off the books and free up cap space to sign a key free agent. Yeah, we might not be that great next year, but if not then we might get a lottery pick and still have Smoove, Horford, and Teague to build around. This is a sign that ownership is taking steps to build a contender. You’ve gotta like that.
Heisenberg
July 2nd, 2012
9:42 pm
And with all those expiring contracts, could have enough to add Chris Paul next summer. A core of Howard, Smith & Paul would certainly see to it Miami falls short of 8 titles by 7.
The Monger
July 2nd, 2012
9:42 pm
Forgot to include Devin Harris!! That is a good find, Ferry pulled out a straight steal…getting a quality scorer and passer like Devin Harris for Marvin Williams. That is almost a robbery….
2012 starting to look pretty good already with Teague, Jenkins, and Harris in the backcourt. And ZaZa, Horford, Mike Scott, and J-Smoove down low. Plus more capspace than we’ve had in years. If we do this thing right, and take it step by step, I really think these Hawks wont even have a single down year, and we can just keep building into an elite team. I think we are only 2 pieces away with the roster we have right now. We need another elite scorer at SF…like a Andre Igoudala, and a defensive, aggressive type C in the Joakim Noah type mold. Thats it and we are hanging with Miami and Chicago at the top!!!
jay
July 2nd, 2012
9:42 pm
Kudos to Danny Ferry for dumping two bums that should have been gone no less than two seasons ago!
Astro Joe
July 2nd, 2012
9:43 pm
Melvin, he doesn’t need to sit down with Josh. 364 days and counting. Dude doesn’t need to lift a finger and poof.. he’s gone. The same was not true for Joe or Marvin. My guess, Josh is on secret double probabtion. Another technical foul while sitting at the scorer’s table and Josh gets moved for another 17 guards. Jacque Vaughan and Sherman DOuglass are still out there, waiting to be acquired by Ferry.
Joel Henderson
July 2nd, 2012
9:44 pm
Losing joe for this season will hurt but he is the highest paid player in NBA!! For another four years!! We have enough cap room to sign Howard and Paul … Could keep Josh smith and if we suck bad enough get a nice high lottery pick to go with them. If we keep Joe we got no chance. We couldn’t win last few seasons so we keep doing the same thing. They say it’s crazy doing the same thing over and over thinking you’ll get a different result. We hit out ceiling with that group now we need a new group so if it means one season of hurt that’s fine with me. We got to work out how to get past Miami. They are the benchmark now
Heisenberg
July 2nd, 2012
9:45 pm
Howard probably has not had Atlanta on his radar because he knew the salary cap situation. These moves should change that.