James Johnson Agrees To Stay With Miami Heat
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – James Johnson has agreed to a four-year deal to remain with the Miami Heat.
Johnson agreed to terms Thursday night on a four-year deal that could be worth more than $60 million, a person with knowledge of the talks told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it hasn't been formally announced. And that move came hours after Miami struck another four-year deal with free-agent Kelly Olynyk.
Johnson had said for months that he wanted to remain in Miami — and based on that salary, the Heat clearly had no desire to let him go elsewhere.
Johnson revived his career in Miami last season, averaging 12.8 points — his best, by far, in his eight NBA years. He shed 40 pounds and finished sixth in the league's Most Improved Player voting. He made $4 million last season, which was the best salary of his career.
That'll be dwarfed by the new deal.
Related: Kelly Olynyk Agrees To Sign With Miami Heat
Keeping Johnson and Dion Waiters, who agreed to a four-year deal Wednesday, were big priorities for Miami this summer. And they became even bigger priorities after the Heat missed out on landing Gordon Hayward, the All-Star forward who will sign with Boston.
"The band is back," Heat point guard Goran Dragic said.
Well, not exactly.
The Heat traded Josh McRoberts and a draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks. McRoberts, who was due to make just over $6 million next season, was often hurt.
The move clears the way for the Heat to potentially retain guard Wayne Ellington. The Heat have to make a decision on his $6.3 million option for next season by the close of business Friday, or risk him being picked up by another club through waivers.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
