NBA trade rumors: Jazz's Joe Johnson wants out? Sixers a fit? - NJ.com

Iso Joe would like to isolate himself away from the Utah Jazz.

At least, according to a report from New York Times' Marc Stein.

Per Stein, Jazz veteran Joe Johnson is "angling behind the scenes" for a trade out of Utah. 

Johnson, 36 years old and in his 17th NBA season, is one a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. Hurt by the offseason departure of Gordon Hayward (to the Celtics) and a multitude of injuries, the Jazz (22-28) have struggled this season. For Johnson, it makes sense to pursue a chance to play for a team in the playoff picture.

Would the Sixers make sense?

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As a trade partner, probably not. Sixers general manager Bryan Colangelo probably isn't chomping at the bit to trade any assets -- unless the Jazz, for some reason, had interest in Jerryd Bayless -- for a 36-year-old past-his-prime wing shooting an abysmal 26.7 percent on three-pointers. Though, Johnson has performed better since the start of January, shooting 35.1 percent from long range.

The more likely scenario is the Jazz ultimately choosing to buy out Johnson's contract following the Feb. 8 trade deadline, making him a free agent.

At that point, he might make some sense for the Sixers.

First, Colangelo has history with Johnson. When Colangelo was an executive with the Suns, he traded for Johnson in 2002. Johnson spent three more seasons in Phoenix after that. 

Consider -- outside of JJ Redick (the team's best shooter) and Amir Johnson (a key center reserve behind Joel Embiid) the Sixers only other veterans are Trevor Booker and Bayless, and neither has exactly inspired much confidence. Outside of those four players, the Sixers average roster age is just 22.8. 

That youth and relative inexperience rears its ugly head late in games. Look no further than last week's loss to the Grizzlies.

Even though Johnson is on a steep decline, as recently as April he was still cementing his claim as one of the league's most clutch scorers in late-game situations. In a playoff game against the Clippers, he scored a game-winning buzzer beater, which according to ESPN was his NBA-best eighth in the last 10 seasons.

The more likely scenario is that Johnson joins a team with immediate NBA championship aspirations -- Celtics? Spurs? Cavaliers? Rockets? -- rather than Philadelphia, but it could be at least worth exploring for Colangelo, assuming Johnson hits the open market. 

Especially if the Sixers strike out on attempted deadline deals for Grizzlies' Tyreke Evans or other wings. 

Zack Rosenblatt may be reached at zsr1090@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter  @ZackBlatt. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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