The Brooklyn Nets are looking to part ways with seven-time All-Star player Joe Johnson even as attempts to trade him to the Memphis Grizzlies failed.
But the team remains positive about finding a deal for the veteran, who plays at the shooting guard and small forward positions.
ESPN's Marc Stein reported that negotiations between the Nets and Grizzlies broke down, and both sides have decided to table the discussions.
Despite the setback, the Nets believe they will be able to find a team willing to take part in a trade deal involving Johnson, who is set to earn a hefty $24.9 million just for the 2015-16 season.
Johnson played 80 games last season in his third year with Brooklyn, averaging 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
According to ESPN, the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons have also expressed their interest in acquiring Johnson, but their recent trade deals took them out of the running for the veteran guard-forward.
The Hornets recently traded for forward Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers while the Pistons acquired forward Ersan Ilyasova from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Nets reached the playoffs last season but were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Following the elimination, Johnson said he was aware that everyone might be traded and despite all his credentials, he was not exempted.
"Something's going to happen. I don't know what. I don't see us coming back as the same team," ESPN quoted Johnson as telling reporters. "I think everyone in that locker room is unsure of the future here. So we'll see what happens going into the summer," he added.
In other Nets roster news, ESPN quoted league sources as saying teams interested in signing up two impending free agents, center Brook Lopez and forward Thaddeus Young, have lost hope since both were expected to re-sign with the team.
