Free agent James Johnson has reached agreement with the Miami Heat on a one-year, $4 million deal, league sources told ESPN’s Marc Stein.
James Johnson to Miami for one-year, $4 million
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 10, 2016
Johnson averaged 5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in a reduced role with the Toronto Raptors last season.
Johnson is a high energy guy known for his thunderous dunks and ability to spark the team with plays coming off the bench. At 6’8″ and weighing 250 pounds, Johnson is a versatile forward that will provide frontcourt depth behind a likely starting trio of Justise Winslow, Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside.
It’s likely he will be paired with recently signed Derrick Williams and another unnamed center for Miami’s bench lineup. Both him and Williams are two of the most competitive, fearless players in the business, something that would certainly make enjoyable television if they’re alongside Udonis Haslem.
The one weakness in Johnson’s game, his outside shooting, could play a factor in what’s seen behind the Heat’s starting lineup next season. Depending on whether or not the Heat sign a perimeter-oriented center could play into how many minutes Johnson receives. Learning their lesson last season, Miami knows just how important the ability to space the floor really is.
James, Johnson, a Wake Forest product, was selected No. 16 overall in the 2009 draft, and has played for Chicago, Sacramento, and Memphis in addition to two stops in Toronto throughout his career.
