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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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

2. Utah Jazz

This is a move that would be mutually beneficial for both teams.

With the emergence last season of rookie Donovan Mitchell, Alec Burks is now somewhat disposable for the Jazz.

With Burks’ $11.3 million salary expiring at the end of next season, this is naturally attractive for the Heat. Furthermore, Burks’ contributions when healthy continue to demonstrate why he was taken No. 12 overall coming out of Colorado in 2011. After gradual progression in his first three seasons, Burks endured a horror run with injury, playing just 100 total in the ensuing three years.

Last season, Burks competed in 64 games, his highest return since 2013-14. However, Mitchell’s presence prevented him from truly breaking through, averaging just 16.5 minutes per game.

When given the chance though, Burks proved he still has the potential to make an impact in the league. In seven games where he played at least 27 minutes, Burks averaged 19.3 points and 4.9 rebounds while compiling .565/.406/.857 shooting splits.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/936480885121019906

At 6’6″, Burks’ size would enable him to switch between the 2 and 3 with the Heat, and as mentioned previously, would be a great replacement for Ellington in the rotation in the event he doesn’t return to the team.

For the Jazz, Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune tweeted the following last summer when Johnson was in the midst of free agency discussions:

With incumbent power forward Derrick Favors now out of a contract, this could represent the perfect time for a Johnson-Jazz union. Despite Favors completing 77 games last season and filling in admirably at center when Rudy Gobert was out injured, Johnson’s overall versatility at  both ends of the floor would certainly enhance the flexibility in which head coach Quin Snyder can formulate his lineups.

From an overall sense, this is a deal that clearly meets the needs of each side involved.

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