The deal: Four years, $50 million dollars
Analysis: Tyler Johnson has played less than 70 NBA games, so this is a gamble on the future. At just 24, TJ has room to grow and hasn’t yet hit his prime. Although he averaged just 8.7 points per game last year, Johnson’s shooting stat line was an impressive 49/38/80. This is close to the 50/40/80 stat line Pat Riley challenged Goran Dragic to achieve next season.
Johnson’s contract is backloaded, with the Heat paying him about $6 million the first two years and about $19 million in the last two. If the Heat don’t strike it big in free agency next summer, Johnson’s contract will be a burden in 2018 and 2019.
This is a smart gamble for the Heat. Johnson is a Heat style player who gives everything he has on both ends of the court. He may never be a star, but should develop into a solid starter or sixth man.
On-court Impact: Won’t cost you the game, and might just win a few.
Grade: B+
Next: Udonis Haslem