James Johnson said he hopes to sit down with both Pat Riley and Dion Waiters to figure out how to add to the current Miami Heat core.
James Johnson had a career year with the Miami Heat, and he hopes to continue his renaissance by re-signing this summer.
Johnson, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal last summer, will be a free agent in the coming months. After averaging career highs in points (12.8), rebounds (4.9) and assists (3.6), he’s in position for a major raise.
During exit interviews, Spoelstra talked about what it was like to coach Johnson through the season. Via the Miami Herald:
"“One of the most gratifying things I’ve seen in my coaching tenure, someone who was kicked around and had dreams and had the potential to be the player he could become. The timing was right. Ultimately, we’re in this profession to help players chase their dreams. We find the most gratification when we’re serving. We were able to help him get on the right track, but ultimately it was him.”"
Johnson played a key role in Miami’s strong second half in which they went 30-11 after starting the season 11-30. His versatility — between his ability to create his own shot and set up others on offense, and guard multiple positions, including centers, on defense — made him extremely valuable.
Until this season, Johnson’s never been given the freedom to play like that. He was as much a fit for the Heat they were for him.
When asked about re-signing this summer, Johnson has been open about his hopes that it happens.
James Johnson said he is not only open to sitting with Riley and waiters for talk on them staying and adding piece but hopes that happens
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 17, 2017
None of this means it’s a guarantee that Johnson stays. Depending on what the market drives his price to, it could be tough to re-sign him. However, if we’re reading in between the lines, sitting down with Waiters — another Heat free agent — could mean that the two would be willing to take a discount if it meant adding more pieces to this core.
The Heat will have $31 million in cap space after waiving Chris Bosh, but are also expected to chase some big name free agents.
James Johnson and Tyler Johnson created a bond, spending most of the season coming off the bench and anchoring the second unit. Tyler Johnson, of course, signed a four-year, $50 million deal last summer to stay in Miami long term. According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, he told James Johnson that he should join him.
Next: Spo says Heat can be a championship team
It could take some creativity to bring Johnson and Miami’s other free agents back, but that’s what Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg specialize in.