James Johnson grateful for opportunity Miami Heat gave him, hopeful about future
By Wes Goldberg
James Johnson says he can call the Miami Heat home, and has “love” for the organization. But will that translate to a hometown discount this summer?
James Johnson just wanted an opportunity, and that’s what he got last season with the Miami Heat. Johnson, a free agent this summer, has been upfront about wanting to re-sign with the Heat, though he knows it’s not completely in his hands.
Johnson out-played his one-year, $4 million contract last season, averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 27.4 minutes per game, and is in position to sign the biggest contract of his career so far. Even if the Heat can’t match a lucrative offer from another team, he’s grateful for what his lone season in Miami was able to do for his career.
"During an appearance on WTVJ-Miami’s Sports Final on Sunday night, Johnson was asked if he felt the Heat would reciprocate the love he’s expressed for them in free agency.“I think the Heat already did plenty for me and even more than that,” Johnson said Sunday. “Just giving me the stage to work on and the opportunity to go out there and to become the best player I can be. They definitely gave me that stepping stone or eight stepping stones. For me, I feel like they did already more than what I had asked them or thought they would do. Anything after that, I’m truly grateful for the Miami Heat and I’m truly honored to be a part of it and hopefully it keeps on going.”"
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Johnson has made it clear that he’d like to stay in Miami, where he was able to get into the best playing shape of his career and get an opportunity to show off his talent. On whether or not he’d give the Heat a discount, Johnson said:
"“Down the line, it’s hard in this phase of my career to try to find somewhere that you call home or you want it to be home and things like that. So you know the love I have for this team is up there. But it’s just something I got to let the agent and Pat [Riley] discuss and try to figure out, and then just give my last say so at the end.”"
The Heat will have about $36 million in cap space after removing Chris Bosh from the cap, and are expected to prioritize Johnson and Dion Waiters. However, they’re also expected to make a run at top free agent Gordon Hayward.
Next: Free agent replacements for James Johnson
It’s not as simple as two sides wanting to make a deal. There are a lot of moving parts in free agency, and other teams may try to swoop in on Johnson early. Hopefully Johnson’s appreciation for the Heat buys them some time to see how the Hayward situation plays out.