Joe Johnson enjoyed a bit of a career rejuvenation after signing with the Miami Heat following his being bought out by the Brooklyn Nets. However, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that Johnson may not be back in Miami next season:
• Joe Johnson. Miami would like to re-sign him, because he’s one of a limited number of options on the roster who – when playing well – can get you a relief basket. Figure on the Heat dangling its $2.9 million room exception.
But an associate said unlike when he signed here, he isn’t sure Johnson would necessarily be inclined to take less money to stay.
Johnson was terrific with Miami this season. In 24 regular season games(all starts) for the Heat, Johnson averaged 13.4 points and 3.6 assists per game on tremendously efficient shooting: 51.8% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. When compared to his numbers in 57 games for the Nets this season, that’s an 11.2% improvement from the field and a 4.6% improvement from downtown.
The playoffs were a different story for Johnson, unfortunately. In 14 postseason games, he averaged 12.1 points and 2.5 assists on 43% shooting from the field and 28.3% from beyond the arc.
Miami would love to have Johnson back. However, between their hopes of signing Kevin Durant and re-signing Hassan Whiteside, the Heat will be a bit short on money. If Jackson’s report is accurate, and Johnson isn’t interested in taking less money, then he’s probably gone. Other teams will be able to give him more money than Miami.
