The Brooklyn Nets intend to keep veteran shooting guard Joe Johnson to remain competitive in the 2015-16 NBA season after they decided to part ways with Deron Williams on Friday.

The Nets reportedly shopped Johnson earlier in the offseason in the hope of shedding his expensive salary for the upcoming season. The former All-Star is scheduled to earn $24.9 million in the final year of his contract with the Nets, and trading him will give them salary and luxury tax relief.

Marc Stein of ESPN revealed that the Nets were choosing between Williams and Johnson. And after shedding the contract of Williams, sources indicated the Nets are convinced they do not need to shop Johnson anymore this offseason.

The Nets had the option to trade Johnson and tank next season, but Stein pointed out that Brooklyn have no reason to have a losing season because they have already traded their first-round pick to the Boston Celtics.

With Johnson in their roster, the Nets could still make the playoffs in the weak Eastern Conference after re-signing starting center Brook Lopez and versatile forward Thaddeus Young to new deals this offseason.

On Sunday night, the Nets also announced that they have signed former first overall pick Andrea Bargnani to a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum salary. Bargnani, who was also in talks to the Sacramento Kings before picking the Nets, averaged 14.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 29 games with the Knicks last season.

However, CBS Sports reported things could change if a team eventually offers a first-round pick to the Nets for Johnson, who could still help a contender improve their title chances in the upcoming season.

Johnson, who has spent the past three seasons in Brooklyn after his impressive seven-year stint with the Atlanta Hawks, averaged 14.4 points on top of 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season.

Before free agency started, ESPN reported that the Nets and the Memphis Grizzlies were in talks for a potential trade involving Johnson, but no deal materialized after both teams failed to find a common ground.

The Detroit Pistons were also linked to Johnson before the trade deadline last season and this summer before they acquired sweet-shooting forward Ersan Ilyasova from the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were reportedly interested in acquiring Johnson as well. The Cavaliers are reportedly eyeing to acquire Johnson in exchange for Brendan Haywood, whose $10.5 million salary for next season is not guaranteed, and additional players to match the salary.

For the latest sports news, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter.

FOR MORE NBA UPDATES, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY NEWS, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE.

Related