The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly looking closely at veteran shooting guard Joe Johnson to possibly acquire the seven-time All-Star using the team's Brendan Haywood contract chip, as per ESPN. The Cavs can include center Anderson Varejao in the potential trade to balance out the salaries.

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Johnson is the set to become the second-highest-paid player in the league next season with a $24.9 million salary. The Lakers' Kobe Bryant is the only player receiving more with $25 million. The Cavs can absorb Johnson's pay by trading Varejao, who is owed $9.6 million next season, and Haywood's nonguaranteed contract worth $10.5 million to consummate the deal.

If it pushes through, the Nets will be able to waive Haywood immediately afterward to reach their objective of unloading a massive $15 million in salary and possibly $50 million in luxury tax in 2015-2016, according to the New York Post.

The 14-year veteran is still considered as one of the top scorers in the league and had always been healthy throughout the season. LeBron James and the Cavs could really use him to improve an already strong starting crew made up of Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert, and the returning Kevin Love.

With Johnson, David Blatt has the option to go small and play fast ball that could rival the reigning champions Golden State Warriors, or play a more traditional lineup with center Timothy Mozgov in the middle without compromising the team's outside shooting.

As for the Nets, Varejao provides Lionel Hollins' squad the reliable backup center that they sorely require especially after trading Mason Plumlee last month. The 6-foot-11 Brazilian could also offer the hustle and heart that the Nets' need to get back into their old winning ways.

However, NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk recently reported that the trade talks between the Cavs and Nets have stalled and the reason is that the latter was said to be hesitant on including Varejao in the equation. Reportedly, the teams are currently looking for a third team that would be willing to take the 2010 NBA All-Defensive Second Teamer's contract.

Billy King seems to be intent on unloading as much salary as possible to prepare the team for next summer's opportunities where big names such as Kevin Durant, Al Horford, DeMar DeRozan, and Dwight Howard might be available in free agency.

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