2017 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
James Johnson: 4 years, $60 million (Miami Heat)
Free agent James Johnson has agreed to the framework of a four-year deal to stay with the Miami Heat, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 7, 2017
Sources: Miami Heat and James Johnson have agreed to a 4-year, $60+ million deal.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 7, 2017
After finishing their season on a 30-11 tear, the Miami Heat had two options in free agency: Chase the big fish, or re-sign their own free agents to run back a fun team that has no hope of contending during the Golden State Warriors’ ongoing reign of terror.
After missing out on Gordon Hayward, the Heat agreed to re-sign Dion Waiters, reached terms with Kelly Olynyk and now, thanks to a deal with the Dallas Mavericks, will bring James Johnson back into the fold after his career year of 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game on .479/.340/.707 shooting splits.
Paying $15 million a year over four seasons — with Waiters and Olynyk also on four-year deals — basically represents waving the white flag on title contention and being content with an entertaining team that put together an impressive run to close the year. Johnson is already 30, but his role as a point forward was one of the biggest reasons for Miami’s late-season surge.
Bourguet Grade: B
HoopsHabit Grade: C+