New Look Nets

The NBA Free Agency period is well under way, and there is no question which team is the most active. With the Nets moving the franchise from Jersey to Brooklyn and the team moving into the Barclays Center, Brooklyn had to make some moves to get their fans excited about the team.

On Monday, the Brooklyn Nets agreed to acquire 6-time All-Star Joe Johnson from the Hawks. Johnson, who is owed $90 million over the next four seasons, was brought in to help the Nets in their quest to lure Deron Williams back to Brooklyn.

In exchange for Johnson, the Nets gave up a number of players with expiring contracts as well as a future 1st round pick from the Houston Rockets. The Nets are trying to build a contender, and Joe Johnson is the first step in that process.

The Nets also agreed with free agent Gerald Wallace on a 4 year, $40 million deal. Even though the deal is a little rich for Wallace's play at this point in his career, it shows that the Nets are all in and ready to build a contender.

All of these moves are leading up to one big thing, the NBA's top free agent taking his talents to Brooklyn. Deron Williams is the apple of Brooklyn's eye, and he is expected to announce his decision on where he will sign later today.

The Nets are considered the favorite to land the 3-time All-Star, but the Mavericks are also in the mix. So the Nets have Deron Williams (maybe), Gerald Wallace, and Joe Johnson; What else do they need? Well, Brooklyn isn't done just yet.

The Nets are involved in trade talks with the Magic about disgruntled C Dwight Howard who has repeatedly said he wants to be dealt to Brooklyn. The reported deal on the table is Dwight Howard to Brooklyn in exchange for Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries (sign-and-trade), MarShon Brooks, and multiple 1st round picks.

It remains to be seen whether the new look Nets can land Williams and Howard, but obviously there is a new culture with the Nets -- a winning culture.