The Brooklyn Nets have begun discussions with the Memphis Grizzlies of a possible trade involving shooting guard Joe Johnson. But the deal was put on hold as both teams could not find a "workable deal", as reported by ESPN's Marc Stein.

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Johnson, who is entering the final year of the six-year, $123.6 million deal he signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 2010 before being traded to Brooklyn in 2012, is set to earn a huge $24.9 million next season. The Nets are reportedly encouraged that finally a team is now interested in taking the 6-foot-7 All-Star and his massive contract.

Even at 34 years old, the former Arkansas Razorback is still productive and healthy to play a full year. Last season, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 80 regular season games for Brooklyn.

The Grizzlies are said to be looking to improve their mid-range offense as the management and coaching staff deemed that the team's deficient shooting from the perimeter was a major factor in their second-round playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors. Johnson could definitely fill that void if ever the deal pushes through.

While Johnson is a hard hit on the salary cap, he is a much better wing scorer than the Grizz's Jeff Green or Courtney Lee, as per Bleacher Report. He would also command double-teams every now and then which could open up space for Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph inside.

Memphis also talked with the Denver Nuggets for a possible deal involving sweet-shooting forward Danilo Gallinari, but the negotiations were also postponed.

Following the Nets' elimination in the first round of the playoffs by the Eastern Conference-leading Hawks, owner Mikhail Prokhorov expressed his intention to once again revamp the roster. Their failed attempt on a super-team surely held them back more than they moved forward. Thus, they are desperately trying to unload Johnson and fellow highly-paid All-Star Deron Williams this offseason.

Aside from the Grizzlies, the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets were also reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Johnson.

According to Forbes, other trade options for Brooklyn would be with the Washington Wizards, Pistons, or any other large market team in need of a scorer such as the Lakers.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, Joe Johnson