Joe Johnson Rumors: Warriors, Celtics, Rockets, Thunder to Target SG Post-Buyout

A handful of NBA title contenders are reportedly expected to target Joe Johnson if he's able to secure a buyout from the Sacramento Kings. 

According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Mannix, the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics "will be among the early favorites" to sign Johnson. NBA.com's David Aldridge added the Houston Rockets are "very interested" in Johnson "and have been working on the assumption that he'd be available one way or the other" after the trade deadline. 

Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler reiterated the Rockets' interest in Johnson and reported the Oklahoma City Thunder are in the running for his services as well. 

ESPN.com's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported on Thursday that Johnson will be traded to the Kings as part of the three-team blockbuster that saw the Cleveland Cavaliers land George Hill from Sacramento and Rodney Hood from the Utah Jazz. 

Johnson hasn't enjoyed a particularly smooth season to this point because of a wrist injury that's limited him to 32 games. 

In a career-low 21.9 minutes per game, he's averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 42.0 percent from the field and 27.4 percent from three-point range. 

However, it's not hard to see Johnson's efficiency spiking if he lands with the Warriors or Rockets—who rank first and second, respectively, in offensive rating. 

Should Johnson wind up in Boston (20th in offensive rating), it will represent a reunion after the Celtics selected him 10th overall in the 2001 draft and subsequently traded him to the Phoenix Suns 48 games into his rookie season. 

Stats courtesy of NBA.com.