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Miami Heat: 3 fascinating trade scenarios for James Johnson

By Simon Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat moves up the court against the Philadelphia 76ers in game one of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat moves up the court against the Philadelphia 76ers in game one of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Dallas Mavericks

Coming off a 24-58 season, the only way is up for the Dallas Mavericks. As a result of their poor season, the Mavs will be selecting fifth in the 2018 NBA Draft. Following up from their first round selection last year in point guard Dennis Smith Jr., this represents another avenue for the Mavericks’ rebuilding efforts.

Having said that, their roster would do with an infusion of versatile talent. Entering his 21st season in the league, it’s obvious Dirk Nowitzki is on his last legs. While he managed to make 77 appearances last season, his 24.7 minutes per game were the lowest since his rookie year. Furthermore, according to Basketball Monster, Nowitzki spent 92 percent of the season at center, as opposed to power forward, where he’s spent the bulk of his career.

As a result of this positional change, Johnson would be able to play alongside Nowitzki at the 4, and thus move Harrison Barnes to his natural small forward slot.

For the Heat, Wesley Matthews presents the most value due to his expiring contract, which is valued at $18.6 million next season. A nine-year veteran, Matthews played in 63 games last season, averaging 12.7 points in 33.8 minutes per game. A career 38.3 percent 3-point shooter, Matthews maintained his high output from long range, hitting at a 38.1 percent clip on 6.4 attempts per game last season.

At 6’5″ and 220 pounds, Matthews’ size enables him to defend both the 2- and 3-spots, a crucial trait in the pace-and-space era. With shooting guard Wayne Ellington currently an unrestricted free agent, Matthews’ addition would represent a terrific replacement should the Heat and Ellington fail to come to terms this summer.

In addition to Johnson, the Heat would also be forced to part ways with swingman Rodney McGruder. A 3-and-D player in the mould of Matthews, McGruder’s $1.5 million deal represents one of the best value deals in the league, and he would provide the Mavericks with a short-term replacement for Matthews on the perimeter.

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