Having watched free agents Gordon Hayward and George Hill reach deals with other teams on Tuesday, the Jazz have shifted their focus to other targets. According to Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune (Twitter link), James Johnson is one potential option for Utah — Johnson and the Jazz have mutual interest, says Jones.
[RELATED: Kings agree to sign George Hill]
Johnson, 30, had a breakout season for the Heat in 2016/17, averaging double-digit scoring for the first time in his career (12.8 PPG), and setting new career-highs in RPG (4.9), APG (3.6), and 3PT% (.340). He was also a major asset on the defensive end of the court, given his ability to guard multiple positions.
While Johnson certainly isn’t the scorer that Hayward is, he looks like a logical candidate for a Jazz team with a newly-opened hole at the forward spot. Utah also parted ways with Trey Lyles on draft night, so Johnson could help provide depth at both forward positions, and with Rodney Hood poised to take on a larger role after Hayward’s departure, Johnson wouldn’t be asked to shoulder much of the scoring load.
Still, Johnson remains a priority for the Heat, with a Tuesday report suggesting that the two sides were set to re-engage in the wake of Hayward’s decision not to head to South Beach. The Heat may have a leg up on the Jazz, since Miami has more cap room and has had a one-year headstart on building a relationship with the versatile forward.
Come on Pat Riley. You need to get these guys signed.
My assumption is he’s waiting for Bosh to clear waivers and the Dion and JJ to other teams links are just leverage plays by their agents, like what AI did with GS