Great news for Heat Nation: it looks like Joe Johnson has agreed to sign with the Miami Heat as soon as he clears waivers.
Joe Johnson has committed to sign with Miami Heat after he clears waivers, per @ShamsCharania & @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/VCNRnckbjF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 26, 2016
Tell me that is not a pretty picture.
Johnson should clear waivers on Saturday at 5 PM ET, after he negotiates a buyout with his current team, the Brooklyn Nets. The 34-year-old is in the final year of a six-year, $124 million deal (the largest made in the NBA in 2010) and is currently averaging 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game.
Heat fans may also take pride in knowing that LeBron James recently came forward and expressed interest in the former All-Star.
"“He knows that we want him,” James said on Friday morning. “If he decides to come [to Cleveland], it’d be great. But if not, we’ll continue to move on with what we have.”"
Obviously, I will forever root for the King but it does still feel good to be able to hold something over him.
The best part though? Johnson also shoots 37.1 percent from beyond-the-arc. Only Tyler Johnson (who is currently out with a shoulder injury) shoots better from the 3-point line for Miami, with 38 percent on the season.
Watch out Splash Brothers, the Johnson 3-Point Partners are coming for you. Maybe after we work on a better nickname.
The Heat have two open roster spots after making moves before the trade deadline, which is how they are able to bring Johnson aboard. However, there may be a slight complication at hand.
The trades that Miami made also put them back under the luxury tax line, something president Pat Riley has been itching to do since James made his way back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. But if the team does sign Johnson before March 10, it is very likely that the deal will throw them back above it.
Of course, Riley could work some magic and get Johnson for a near-minimum contract. After all, the veteran is 34 and probably nearing the end of his career. And Riley is well…Riley. The boss of all bosses.
This news comes at a crucial time too, when Chris Bosh’s future is still up in the air. While it has been alluded to that he is once again suffering from blood clots and has been put back on blood thinners, it seems as though the forward has not yet made a choice on what to do, moving forward.
"“They are continuing to find ways and to explore options,” Riley said of Bosh continuing to seek medical advice on his condition. “That’s probably the best way to deal with it. I’m not going to comment (further) right now.”"
Beno Udrih is also out after having season-ending foot surgery.
In case it is not obvious, to say this would be beneficial for the Heat, would be an understatement. Fingers crossed that this deal ends up working out, and Miami can add another healthy body to the mix.
So, what do you think? Yay or nay on Joe Johnson? Sound off in the comments below!