5. Tyler Johnson
Age: 24
Position: Shooting Guard
2016/17 Salary: $5,628,000
Contract Expires: 2019/20 (Player option)
2016/17 Stats: 13.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 42.6 FG%, 36.6 3P%, 31.1 MPG, 27 GP
The Heat managed to retain Johnson this offseason following an enormous offer sheet made by the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson would be ranked higher if it weren’t backloaded nature of the contract, courtesy of the Nets. Each of the final two years bump up (no pun intended) to $19,245,370. This was designed clearly to make the decision harder on the part of the Heat. As it is, Johnson has provided a great overall contribution off the bench for the Heat this season. He has scored 22 or more points on four occasions, including a career-high 32 in Tuesday’s home loss to the Orlando Magic.
Entering this season, Johnson had played in just 68 career NBA games, making his contract all the more risky for the Heat. But while his salary is at the above number for the first couple years, it remains very attractive and attainable for competing teams.
However due to the nature of his contract, January 15 represents the date from which Johnson is able to be traded.