James Johnson re-ups with the Miami Heat as they look to fill out the roster in the wake of Gordon Hayward’s free agency decision.
On the heels of Gordon Hayward’s decision to sign with the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat quickly moves on to plan B. According to multiple reports, the team has re-signed James Johnson to a four-year, $60 million offer.
There is a player option in the final year of James Johnson's four year, $60 million deal with Miami.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 7, 2017
By not signing Hayward, the Heat were left with nearly $30 million in cap space. James Johnson had been involved in the pursuit of Hayward; he was a part of the team’s meeting and was open about patiently waiting out the process. His patience has paid off with the biggest contract of his career.
James Johnson patiently waited on Gordon Hayward. Him at the max would’ve left less than 4/$50M for Johnson. Now he gets 4/$60M.
— Albert Nahmad (@AlbertNahmad) July 7, 2017
Johnson played last season in Miami on a one-year deal worth about $4 million. Johnson had previously played with the Toronto Raptors as a reserve. With the Heat, Johnson got into the best shape of his career and had his best season, averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
He played a valuable point-forward role, hit 3-pointers with a career-best efficiency (34 percent) and became Miami’s best defender against the league’s top wings such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Bringing Johnson back likely would have been prioritized even if the Heat signed Hayward.
Last month, when asked about his impending free agency on Miami station WTVJ, Johnson said he was hopeful he’d be back with the Heat.
"“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.”"
Next: James Johnson embodied Miami Heat culture
Earlier in the day it was reported the Heat would also sign Boston Celtics free agent Kelly Olynyk to a four-year $50 million contract. That leaves the Heat with several versatile bigs in the front court.
Coming off his best career year and in top shape, Johnson can now get back to work knowing where he’ll be playing next season.