With the Miami Heat coming up one game short of making the playoffs, the team and players are starting to think about the future. James Johnson, who had a career year with the Heat, discussed his thoughts on the future, according to The Score.
In James Johnson’s eight-year career, he’s played for five different teams. However, he seems to have found a home in Miami, and he’s willing to play at a reduced price because of that.
“I might not have the same opportunities that I had this year, to get out the box and play the way I feel like I can to contribute to winning. Who knows if I can get that with another team? Money has nothing to do with that. I love basketball, I love the game, and I love it here.”
Johnson put up career-high numbers across the board this season with the Heat. The 30-year-old had career numbers in points, assists, rebounds, field goals made, field goals attempted, three-pointers attempted and made, and three-point percentage. For the season, Johnson averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 blocks, 1.0 steals, and he shot 47.9 percent from the field, including 34.1 percent from three.
This past offseason, James Johnson signed a one-year, $4 million contract, but he will probably be looking to sign a bigger contract. With Johnson’s age, this upcoming summer could be the last big contract he signs before getting too old. Johnson was an integral part of the Heat’s mid-season resurgence, and he almost helped bring them to the playoffs after a very lousy start to the season.
Free agency starts in July, so look for the Miami Heat and James Johnson to have discussions early on in the process.
