2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Amir Johnson: 1 year, $2.4 million (Philadelphia 76ers)
After absorbing Wilson Chandler into their cap space via a trade with the Denver Nuggets, the Philadelphia 76ers were all but devoid money to spend on available free agents. As such, bringing back Amir Johnson on a one-year deal — especially for the veteran minimum of $2.4 million rather than the $4.4 million room exception, which will be used on Nemanja Bjelica — makes sense.
Johnson didn’t have the on-court impact the Sixers may have been expecting, averaging just 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game. However, he suited up for 74 games, was a steady presence and gives Philly some extra frontcourt depth at either the 4 or the 5.
As a well-respected locker room veteran and mentor to the younger guys, Johnson is a nice piece to have back, especially with Ersan Ilyasova bolting for Milwaukee and the team’s financial restraints at this point in free agency.
Bourguet Grade: B
Hoops Habit Grade: B+