Miami Heat: Is Tyler Johnson worth $50 million?

The Miami Heat have matched the Brooklyn Nets’ offer for Tyler Johnson, but is he worth the price?

The Miami Heat have been through it the last couple of days.

Although they started the summer off strong by re-signing big man Hassan Whiteside to a four-year, maximum contract, their world soon came crashing down thereafter.

Rumblings of Dwyane Wade being unhappy with the organization began to stir, as president Pat Riley was getting ready to meet with Kevin Durant. Durant, a free agent, had set up several meetings with teams across the league. And Riley was hoping to land his “big whale.”

But unfortunately, that did not happen. And what was worse, it may have cost the franchise Wade.

At the beginning of the offseason, Wade called re-signing with the Heat a “no-brainer.” However along the way, something changed.

It probably was not just one isolated thing that caused a rift between the superstar and management. But maybe Riley and company should have prioritized re-signing Wade first and foremost, even before Whiteside. Maybe they should have noticed, and more so cared that going after Durant did not make Wade happy. Maybe this, maybe that.

But maybes no longer matter. Nor do what ifs.

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Because although Wade has not technically signed with the Chicago Bulls just yet, and despite the fact that Heat Nation has launched a #BringWadeBack campaign, for now, fans need to move on.

The team sure has.

Perhaps not Justise Winslow.

And who can really get over Wade leaving the one and only team he has ever played for, the team he was supposed to finish his career with?

But over the last 24 hours, Riley has made moves.

Six, to be exact.

He re-signed Udonis Haslem, the other #HeatLyfer. He brought back Willie Reed, who played in the Summer League for Miami last year. He acquired Derrick Williams, James Johnson and Luke Babbitt.

And he hung onto Tyler Johnson.

For a steep price of $50 million, over four years.

Earlier this summer, the Brooklyn Nets offered Johnson this deal, in hopes of luring him away from the Heat.

And for a while there, it seems as though Heat Nation had to say goodbye to yet another fan-favorite. Everyone held their breath as Riley made move after move, wondering how Johnson could still be a part of the roster. But yesterday came good news.

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However, while it seemed just about everyone was happy to have Johnson back, many were left scratching their heads over if he is really worth the money.

After all, in 2014 Johnson was merely an undrafted guard playing in the Developmental League. He then went back and forth between Miami and the Sioux Falls Skyforce, until two ten-day contracts turned into a two-year deal, and he was officially part of the Heat.

Last year, he made $507,000, after playing 36 games and starting in five. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 24 minutes a play.

So yes, his new contract is… rather large.

But, there are other things to factor in beyond just former salary and statistics.

For one, after losing Wade, any familiar face is worth more than meets the eye. Last season’s squad developed an unbreakable bond, built on chemistry and trust: not just on the court, but off it as well. Especially between the younger guys like Whiteside, Winslow, Richardson and Johnson. Having him back lets the team hold onto that, giving not just those guys but the entire team, more confidence moving forward. Something they will surely need without their star.

There is also Johnson’s potential to consider. Although he did not have a breakout season, his time is fast arriving.

He had several explosive games last year, such as a pair of games in December in which he scored 20 points against the Charlotte Hornets and 19 point (to go along with five rebounds and two assists) against the Cleveland Cavaliers. There is a solid shooting guard in him, just waiting to shock the league.

And of course, he is not the only one looking at a big payday this offseason.

As the NBA’s Luxury Tax has gone up, many, if not most mid-level players are seeing cash they have probably only once dreamed of.

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Would the team have coughed up the cash if Brooklyn did not try and steal him away? Maybe not. And are they overpaying him? Possibly. But as per usual, money does not necessarily phase Riley. And after the devastating blow of having Wade walk away from him, re-signing Johnson should certainly be considered a victory.