James Johnson: 5 potential landing spots in 2017 NBA free agency

By Simon Smith | Jul 4, 2017

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: A portrait of James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat on September 26, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 16: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers posts up James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 16, 2016 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 16: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers posts up James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 16, 2016 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

5. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder make sense for Johnson on a number of levels.

Currently, the Thunder have an array of scoring options, but not a great amount of legitimate ball handlers and playmakers, outside of reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, and newly acquired All-Star, Paul George. Last season, Johnson had 18 games in which he produced six or more assists, including a season high 12 assists during a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Not only does Johnson provide the Thunder with an additional playmaker, his versatility at both ends of the floor would provide head coach Billy Donovan a great degree of flexibility when formulating his lineups. Alongside the other Thunder frontcourt members in George and Steven Adams, Johnson could act as the ideal glue man in terms of the Thunder rolling out tall and small lineups.

Last season, despite the Heat falling on both occasions to the Thunder, Johnson nonetheless impressed. He posted 18 points and six rebounds in the first meeting, and followed up with 16 points and five boards in the return bout. Furthermore, Johnson’s performance on the defensive end this season would fit in perfectly for Donovan and the Thunder, coming off a season where they ranked 10th in the league in defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) at 105.1.

The main contention regarding a Johnson/Thunder partnership would be the Thunder’s salary cap restraints. Already plugged into enormous deals for Westbrook, George, Adams and Enes Kanter, adding Johnson would likely require some serious maneuvering on the part of the Thunder front office.

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