Adrian Wojnarowski: 7-footer Spencer Hawes is working out for the 76ers Thursday, league sources tell ESPN. Hawes, 31, has played 10 years in NBA and played with Lakers G-League team last season. @Marc J. Spears reported Joe Johnson is part of Philly workout too.
More on Joe Johnson Free Agency
Marc J. Spears: Ex-NBA guard Joe Johnson is in Philadelphia and is working out for the Sixers tomorrow, a source told @espn @TheUndefeated. The MVP of @thebig3 also is expected to work out for the Clippers, Bucks & Nuggets. Joe Johnson & the Triplets are playing in the Big 3 title game Sunday.
Marc J. Spears: Add the Pelicans to that list of interest in Joe Johnson, a source said. Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry and VP David Griffin watched Joe Johnson play in the @thebig3 in New Orleans last week.
Sirius XM NBA: . @Brian Scalabrine tells @Frank Isola that he "guarantees" that Joe Johnson will play in the NBA next season pic.twitter.com/qghkDZSBrv
Joe Johnson can’t shake the feeling that his days in professional basketball didn’t quite wrap up the way they were supposed to. “To be honest, I’m not at peace with how my career ended,” he told The Salt Lake Tribune. “Especially in Houston, not even getting a chance to play in the postseason for whatever reason. That’s the only memory that really sticks in my head.”
He’s still full of admiration for how the Jazz closed that season, and for how the franchise treated him. “I love everything that happened there, all the guys, coaching staff, organization; everybody was great,” Johnson said. “… I was thinking, ‘Man, we’re gonna just barely get into the playoffs.’ And I was happy for them, but where I was at in my career, I wanted to go further and I wanted to have a possibility to win a title.”
Has your play in the BIG3 built any momentum toward an NBA return? Is getting back to the NBA even a goal of yours? Joe Johnson: Yes, I’d love to get back and play in the NBA. It’s not my ultimate goal, it wasn’t my goal getting into the BIG3. But if the opportunity presents itself, I would take upon the challenge. I would love to. But, I got a job to do, and my agent has a job to do. I’m not sure about the momentum or how it’s going, but I just focus on what I can do and what I can control.
Tim MacMahon: Joe Johnson, who just finished his 17th NBA season, has no doubt that he wants to continue his career. "Hell yeah, I want to keep rolling," Johnson told ESPN. "I'm not even thinking about [retiring]." He said he'd be interested in re-signing with the Rockets. "I would love to have a chance to win a ring," he said. "I thought we had a great opportunity, man. It slipped away from us. I want to go to a contender. I don't want to just be out here playing just to be playing."
Jonathan Feigen: Rockets signing of Brandan Wright to be completed today, per source. He won't be available tomorrow in Minnesota. Johnson likely to take another day at least because of when he was placed on waivers.
Paul Garcia: Georgios Papagiannis has cleared waivers and is eligible to sign with any NBA team that has interest in him. As long as Joe Johnson clears waivers, he'll be eligible to sign with the Rockets on Monday.
James Ham: Confirming that the Kings are in process of a buyout with Joe Johnson. Still some procedural issues, but moving that way.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Rockets re-signed guard Bobby Brown to a deal on Friday for the rest of season, but will now waive him to clear roster spot for Joe Johnson, league sources tell ESPN.
Alykhan Bijani: Asked two #Rockets sources on their thoughts of Joe Johnson joining team, “I’m excited” was something both said. People with the team understand the kind of person he is and how he’ll contribute an already strong locker room. He took Jazz players out after he was traded to SAC.
Kelly Iko: Houston’s chances of landing Joe Johnson “around 15-20%”, per league source. Good relationship with MDA and familiarity with offense would come into play. Cites interest from BOS, OKC, GSW as well. Says #Rockets would have to make a roster cut to open up space.
The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed free-agent guard Joe Johnson. Per team policy, financial terms were not released.
David Aldridge: Utah agrees to terms with Joe Johnson on a two-year, $22 million deal, per league source.
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.
Jason Lieser: Right after the game, Joe Johnson was asked about his upcoming free agency. “I don’t know. I ain’t had time to think about all that,” he said.
Jason Lieser: Free-agent-to-be Joe Johnson calls Erik Spoelstra "a great coach," good at relating to the players. "For me, no complaints. I’m having fun.”
Did you choose Miami for short-term or long-term reasons? Johnson: “Both. It’s late in my career, man. I’ll be 35 this year. I was looking more for some security, not necessarily a verbal commitment or anything like that, but somewhere I could really play and come out and enjoy the game.”
Q: How much did the Cavs pursue you? Joe Johnson: “They made an effort. I got a lot of what I would call family over there as far as Tyronn Lue and Larry Drew, guys that I played with. I know those guys fairly well.” Q: Did LeBron talk to you? Johnson: “Yeah, he reached out to me. That was basically it. He reached out.”
Q: Is it correct that it came down to Cleveland or Miami? Joe Johnson: “Fairly. I had a nice selection of teams I could’ve went to, obviously, but when it came down to it they were the top.”
Q: Did you choose Miami for short-term or long-term reasons? Joe Johnson: “Both. It’s late in my career, man. I’ll be 35 this year. I was looking more for some security, not necessarily a verbal commitment or anything like that, but somewhere I could really play and come out and enjoy the game.”
LeBron James really wanted Joe Johnson to come to Cleveland after receiving a buyout from the Brooklyn Nets in late February. Sources with knowledge of James' intentions informed cleveland.com that the four-time MVP made it known to Cavaliers' management and Johnson that he would slide to power forward on a permanent basis to open up a starting spot for his former Olympic teammate. "All I care about is winning. That's all that matters to me," James confirmed to cleveland.com. "A piece like Joe, you know what it does to your team and if he was concerned about playing time or concerned about starting, then I'll sacrifice. I'll sacrifice to get a guy like that to help us try to win a championship."
James, until recently, has never been keen on the idea of accepting a full-time role of operating out of the post and absorbing the physical pounding that comes with the position. But understanding what's at stake, he's willing to try pretty much anything if it translates to more wins for his team. "Man listen, I'll do anything to win. I'll kidnap my momma to win," James said to cleveland.com with a deadpan expression on his face.
Jason Lieser: Joe Johnson wants to finish his career in Miami, but doesn't know how long he wants to play. Says he feels great physically.
Joe Johnson's family is already with him in Miami, and if the seven-time All-Star gets his way they will not be moving again anytime soon. The newly signed Heat forward said Tuesday that he and team President Pat Riley have had discussions about him finishing his career in Miami, one of the reasons why Johnson decided to sign with the team last week. "The most important thing that Pat told me was that this wasn't just a short-term deal, that he would like for me to finish my career here," Johnson said. "And that's what we're working toward."
Joe Johnson said he knew he would start -- the Heat promised him that before he signed. He played both forward spots Sunday, and that figures to continue, as Miami goes with smallball lineups. "The way our offense is, man, it's just reads," Johnson said. "It's so easy. So I think the biggest key is just defensively, staying in tune."
His children, ages 9 and 2, accompanied him to town on Monday and Johnson said they were thrilled to get back to warm weather. It was their second time in Miami in a short span — the family also spent the All-Star break in South Florida, and Johnson has spent the past six or seven summers there relaxing and training. "My kids have a ball here," Johnson said. "They're looking forward to this."
Johnson once owned a home in Miami, but sold it a couple years ago. He now sounds like he'll need another. "He's planning on making the transition now," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
Joe Johnson said he chose to sign with the Miami Heat over other Eastern Conference contenders due to his relationship and familiarity with Dwyane Wade and other Heat players. The versatile swingman, who started in his first game with the Heat on Sunday against the New York Knicks, hopes to finish his career in Miami. "Man, I had a connection with a lot of guys here. D-Wade, [Amar'e Stoudemire], UD [Udonis Haslem], guys I've been in contact with. Not just throughout this process, but over the years, and I just felt it was right," Johnson said prior to playing at Madison Square Garden with his new team.
"I think we've got a lot of veteran guys who know what it takes to win," Johnson said of the Heat. "[And the possibility of remaining with the Heat] was another key thing for me. I would love to finish my career here. Let's see what happens."
Johnson, 34, had Miami, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks among his finalists, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. However, league sources said Johnson had his mind set on Miami not long after he worked a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets last week.
Ira Winderman: Joe Johnson says re-signing with the Heat is a possibility.
Ethan J. Skolnick: Joe Johnson says he basically had a deal done with Miami at 5:01 yesterday
The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed seven-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Johnson is one of only five players in NBA history to record at least 18,000 points, 4,500 assists, 4,000 rebounds and 1,500 made three-point field goals. With his addition to the HEAT roster, Miami now features 38 total All-Star appearances, the most in the NBA.
Micky Arison: Welcome to #HeatNation Joe Johnson Look forward to seeing u and your Miami Heat teammates at MSG tomorrow.
Marc Stein: ESPN sources say Joe Johnson and Andre Miller have cleared waivers
Joe Johnson has committed to sign with the Miami Heat, league sources told The Vertical. Johnson, 34, had narrowed his teams to the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks after reaching a buyout agreement with the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. Johnson is expected to clear free-agency waivers on Saturday.
Bobby Marks: The repeater tax is designed to penalize teams that go deep into the tax. Miami would only be penalized $2.50 for every $1 spent. With the rising cap the the Heat are unlikely to be in the tax in the near future. The same goes with the majority of NBA teams.
Shams Charania: Free agent Joe Johnson has committed to a deal with the Miami Heat after he clears waivers, league sources tell The Vertical.
Chris Haynes: I can confirm that Joe Johnson will be signing with the Heat upon clearing waivers, a league source tells @clevelanddotcom.
Zach Lowe: The Heat expect to sign Joe Johnson today or this weekend, sources say.
Ethan J. Skolnick: One caveat: the Heat has some financial gymnastics to do. But I'm told Miami is Johnson's preferred choice.
Ethan J. Skolnick: Can confirm reports that Miami is in the lead for Joe Johnson. Was just given a very high percentage that he's coming
Adam Zagoria: Miami is the most likely landing spot for Joe Johnson, league source tells @SNYtv. Charlotte & Cleveland among those also interested.
LeBron James made it known publicly that he's in favor of bringing Joe Johnson on board the Cleveland Cavaliers' train. "He knows that we want him," LeBron James said. "He knows that we want him and if he decides to come here, it'd be great. But if not, then we'll continue to move on with what we have."
ESPN Cleveland: Windhorst: Joe Johnson is also seriously considering the Heat and the Hawks. #HeyWindy
The Nets on Thursday reached a buyout agreement with veteran forward Joe Johnson, who will become a free agent when he clears waivers on Saturday evening. According to a league source, the Celtics are “looking into” pursuing Johnson. Boston has a roster spot available after waiving David Lee last week. Johnson, who is reportedly being pursued by numerous playoff contenders, could be an intriguing fit as Boston makes its playoff push. The 34-year-old is averaging 11.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 37.1 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.
The Celtics are in position to offer more money than several other potential suitors, as they have the full room exception available. That exception is valued at $2.814 million, and in this case would be prorated since Jan. 10, so it would be worth about $2 million. But Johnson is in the final season of a six-year, $124 million deal, so there is a very good chance he would favor a team that is closer to a championship, like the Cavaliers, over making a bit more money with a team like the Celtics.
Ohm Youngmisuk: Like @Chris Mannix said, hearing from sources today not to discount Miami with Joe Johnson. Atlanta too.
Brad Stevens declined to comment on Johnson specifically, but outlined (again) what the Celtics could want in their final roster spot. "I think the biggest thing is just any time you're talking about winning in this league right now, I think versatility is huge," the coach said. "Certainly shooting's a big deal. All those things come into play. Obviously with Kelly (Olynyk) out interior help is something that you'd have to consider but hopefully he's not out too long. So there's all kinds of things you could go through and look at but I think when you're talking about a team like us, if we choose to look at that last roster spot, I think the versatility stands out more than anything else."
Pat Riley already has said the Heat doesn't plan to sign a player until the range of March 10 because of luxury tax considerations, and it remains to be seen if Johnson (who doesn't need an extra two weeks of paychecks) would be willing to wait. Asked tonight whether he needs to rethink signing a player before March 10, Riley said: "We have to really wait and discuss that. Players have to clear waivers. Once they clear waivers, we'll get in touch with their agents and we'll have them prioritized."
Asked whether signing someone becomes a priority in the wake of Beno Udrih's injury, Riley said: "We are going to have to wait." He said if there's another injury, "we may have to rethink that, but right now, that's not the priority."
The Brooklyn Nets have officially reached a buyout with forward Joe Johnson, and the Boston Celtics are one of seven playoff teams in pursuit, sources told ESPN.com.
Maybe the more intriguing angle here: With an open roster spot and a need for some wing depth, could the Celtics be a possible landing spot for Johnson? Of the playoff teams reported to be interested, only the Celtics and Hawks have the ability to spend beyond a minimum salary (Boston has the $2.8 million room exception at its disposal). That gives Boston a possible edge over tax-paying teams like Houston, Oklahoma City and Miami, and teams with only the minimum available like Toronto and Cleveland.
Jay King: Stevens stressed again the Celtics are in no rush to fill last roster spot. Wouldn't take the bait to comment on Joe Johnson specifically.
A. Sherrod Blakely: #Celtics HC Brad Stevens says if the Cs fill 15th roster spot, adding a shooter with positional versatility would be preferred. #celticstalk
The Hawks are interested in bringing back Joe Johnson. And a reunion is a real possibility. The Hawks are one of several teams with serious interest in signing the seven-time All-Star and Johnson has serious interest in the returning to Atlanta, according to several people familiar with the situation. The Nets bought out Johnson’s contract and waived the guard/forward on Thursday. Another team can claim Johnson and assume his salary. More likely, he will become a free agent when he clears waivers at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Other teams with reported interest in Johnson are the Thunder, Cavaliers, Celtics, Rockets, Heat and Raptors. While Johnson may have several teams from which to choose, Johnson would very much welcome a return to Atlanta, according to a person familiar with the situation.
