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2016 NBA Free Agency: 5 Best Bargain Deals

By Ian Flickinger-Galeza

Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) guards Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) guards Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Joe Johnson (2) shoots over Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) during the first half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Joe Johnson (2) shoots over Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) during the first half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Jazz Upgrade At Shooting Guard With Johnson Signing

Addition: Joe Johnson: two years, $22 million

The Jazz might have had the best free agency of any team not named Golden State, supplementing their young roster with veterans like George Hill and the aforementioned Joe Johnson.

As David Aldridge first reported, the Jazz agreed to a two-year deal with the 35-year-old shooting guard.

While Johnson isn’t able to put up the gaudy numbers he once did, for a team lacking leadership, the 15-year veteran provides not only a sweet shooting stroke, but a mentor for young players like Dante Exum and Alec Burks.

After finishing the season averaging 13.2 points per game with the Miami Heat, Johnson proved he can still be a worthy secondary option. At 6’7″,  Johnson will not only challenge Rodney Hood for the starting position as a needed shooter and secondary facilitator, but has the size and skill to spell Gordon Hayward as the primary scorer for the bench.

While his salary isn’t the cheapest on the list, his knowledge and experience is much needed for a talented but developing Jazz squad. Plus, the Jazz are suddenly a deep team with Exum returning along with both Hill and Johnson— could they be next year’s surprise team after missing the playoffs the last four seasons?

More hoops habit: The Many Ripple Effects Of Kevin Durant's Warriors Decision

It ultimately might not matter given Golden State’s dominance, but the Jazz remain one of the league’s best young teams.