After officially clearing waivers, Joe Johnson has agreed to a deal to join the Miami Heat. The deal was announced on Saturday night after Johnson cleared waivers at 5 p.m. EST. Many playoff-contending teams, including the Cavaliers, were in pursuit of the guard, but after leaving the Nets, Johnson headed for south beach.
The Atlanta Hawks were also among the finalists, but the Heat won the veteran over, and star Dwayne Wade spoke of his excitement to have a friend join him in Miami.
Johnson averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in Brooklyn this season, while shooting 40.6 percent from the field, including 37.1 percent from three-point range. The 34-year-old was making $24.9 million this season, the final year of the six-year contract he signed in 2010.
Heat president Pat Riley admitted that the move does put him in a bit of a dilemma. Signing Johnson before March 10th could put the Heat back above the luxury tax line.
The move was needed from the Heat's point of view, especially with the uncertainty on if Chris Bosh will return this season. Miami traded away the likes of Mario Chalmers and Chris Anderson to make room on the roster. Other injuries have haunted the playoff contender, including season-ending foot surgery for Beno Udrih.
Johnson adds a veteran presence to join Wade and help add production for the injury-riddled lineup. The Heat are said to be a possible threat to the Cavs come playoff time, and stealing Johnson from Cleveland could possibly add to that threat.
The Atlanta Hawks were also among the finalists, but the Heat won the veteran over, and star Dwayne Wade spoke of his excitement to have a friend join him in Miami.
Johnson averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in Brooklyn this season, while shooting 40.6 percent from the field, including 37.1 percent from three-point range. The 34-year-old was making $24.9 million this season, the final year of the six-year contract he signed in 2010.
Heat president Pat Riley admitted that the move does put him in a bit of a dilemma. Signing Johnson before March 10th could put the Heat back above the luxury tax line.
The move was needed from the Heat's point of view, especially with the uncertainty on if Chris Bosh will return this season. Miami traded away the likes of Mario Chalmers and Chris Anderson to make room on the roster. Other injuries have haunted the playoff contender, including season-ending foot surgery for Beno Udrih.
Johnson adds a veteran presence to join Wade and help add production for the injury-riddled lineup. The Heat are said to be a possible threat to the Cavs come playoff time, and stealing Johnson from Cleveland could possibly add to that threat.
