NBA Rumors: Breaking Down Trade Buzz on Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford

The initial wave of free agency has passed, but several big names in the NBA are being whispered about in the latest trade buzz.

A perennial All-Star and a two-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner headline those rumored to potentially be moving teams ahead of the 2015-16 season. There's a ton of time between now and the opening tip, so any of these situations could be fluid on a daily basis.

Let's take a closer look at the top players who have been speculated about in prospective trades and the latest updates on what may be in store for their futures.

Nets Intent on Retaining Joe Johnson

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

The Brooklyn Nets reached a buyout agreement with point guard Deron Williams and waived him Saturday, per the Associated Press' Brian Mahoney (via NBA.com). Since the Nets secured that transaction, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported they will no longer be shopping Johnson.

"ESPN sources say Nets are now indeed 'intent' on keeping Joe Johnson. Finding a way to move D-Will, sources say, was their 'preferred route,'" said Stein on Twitter.

Ryen Russillo of ESPN Radio felt Brooklyn may have wanted to deal Johnson but that de facto developments prevailed over its desire to move him:

"

"Hey we decided to keep Joe Johnson." Right YOU decided.

— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) July 11, 2015"

Stein reported on June 29 that the Memphis Grizzlies were interested in Johnson, while ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst had indicated the Cleveland Cavaliers were a possible suitor with their Brendan Haywood contract trade chip.

It makes more sense for Brooklyn to ride out the last year of Johnson's massive contract, which pays him approximately $24.9 million this next season, per Spotrac.com. The Cavs could have used an upgrade in their perimeter rotation, while the Grizzlies would have loved Johnson's outside shooting ability to help their offensive balance.

Johnson will be hard-pressed to make as much money as he does now when he hits the open market again, but it's worth watching Cleveland and Memphis as future destinations. An 11 percent increase to the league's salary cap will make it more feasible for contenders to acquire Johnson next offseason.

Cavaliers and Heat Interested in Jamal Crawford

Mary Altaffer/Associated Press

Although the Cavs may miss out on Johnson for now, they could be in the market for Crawford, whose form suffered at the end of this past year with the Los Angeles Clippers because of injury.

In confirming Stein's report of the Cavs' pursuit of a Crawford trade—again, using Haywood as the fulcrum—Cleveland.com's Chris Haynes reported the Miami Heat are in the market for Crawford as well.

A bruised right calf hampered Crawford for much of March. He shot a career-low 36 percent in the playoffs and had a minus-11 net rating in seven road postseason contests when he hit a mere 32.7 percent from the field, per NBA.com.

Despite the late struggles, Crawford appears confident ahead of what will be his 17th NBA season.

"I'm 100 percent healthy, motivated and ready for next year," said Crawford, per Haynes. "I believe I have a big year in store. I'm just excited and ready for next season."

Josh Eberley of HoopsCritic.com doesn't see Crawford as a fit in Cleveland:

To counter the valid point, Crawford brings tremendous outside shooting and can also create shots with slick ball-handling skills and a knack for getting to the rim. In a Cavs offense that relies on spacing and has two tremendous catalysts in LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, not as much pressure will be on Crawford to carry the load.

Miami would be a bit of a taller order for Crawford in terms of minutes and usage. His chances at a championship wouldn't be as good, yet the lure of more significant playing time could be enough to sway him to join the Heat.

The efforts Cleveland has reportedly made to pursue veterans like Crawford and Johnson show the Cavs are leaving no stone unturned in trying to deliver the Larry O'Brien Trophy. It will be fascinating to see how their final roster shakes out—and what their one-season luxury-tax bill amounts to.