Heat’s James Johnson wants to ‘build an empire’ in Miami

After James Johnson signed a long-term contract this summer, the NBA journeyman seems to have found a home with the Miami Heat.

James Johnson went several years in the NBA without being comfortable but, he’s found a home with the Miami Heat.

Following a breakout season, Johnson signed a four-year, $60 million to remain with the Heat. The player who played for five teams in eight years finally settled in with a long-term contract.

Johnson signed a one-year deal with the Heat last summer and, after getting into the best shape of his career, recorded career-high averages in points (12.8), rebounds (4.9) and assists (3.6) per game. He developed into one of the more versatile players in the league.

After years of renting homes and changing teams, Johnson has started putting roots down in South Florida, according to the Sun-Sentinel. 

Miami Heat

"“There are things you take for granted that you don’t really consider until it’s too late,” Johnson said. “Just trying to build an empire here in Miami is one of the dopest things I could even think about doing with my family.”"

Johnson, 30, made it clear since the end of last season that he wanted to remain in Miami. Even without a new contract, he accompanied the team in meetings with star free agent Gordon Hayward. He alluded to the fact that, if the Heat signed Hayward, he’d be willing to take less than his market value to remain with the team.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, Johnson’s home is decorated in Heat memorabilia from his first season, he enjoys the beaches and culture of Miami, and his fiancée  is pregnant with their second child.

The stability, though, must stand out. Changing teams means more than renting a new home and updating addresses, it means a new role with a new team. It means adjusting to a new organization. It takes time to feel comfortable with a new team. It did for Johnson in his first season with the Heat.

Now, there won’t be that adjustment period. Johnson will be able to hit the ground running. It sounds like he’s still in great shape–he’s been working out every day this offseason–and he knows his role with the team: a point-forward who can credibly defend some of the best perimeter scorers in the league.

Next: Reviewing James Johnson's breakout season

With a new contract, Johnson figures to be a part of the Heat for a while. He added that, if it’s up to him, he’d like to finish his career in Miami.