Joe Johnson and the Nets have reached an agreement on a buyout, the team announced. He is expected to join the Miami Heat when he clears waivers, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Joe Johnson waived by the Nets, expected to sign with the Heat
Johnson is reportedly heading to Miami.
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson was considered a lock to be bought out but he reportedly wasn’t interested in that option earlier in the year and even said that re-signing with the Nets after his contract was up was a real possibility. As the deadline to be eligible for a playoff roster approached, he changed his mind and decided to part ways with the franchise he had been a part of for the past four seasons.
Johnson arrived in Brooklyn in the summer of 2012 after being traded by the Hawks. He was supposed to push a team that was built around Deron Williams and Brook Lopez over the top, but he couldn't maintain the level he showed in Atlanta. After two solid individual seasons, his numbers plummeted as the Nets struggled more and more to win games. This year he's averaging his lowest scoring total since 2003.
Despite his decline, the 34-year-old former All-Star can still play. He’s shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc and averaging four rebounds and four assists. He’s simply not the impact player he once was but a change of scenery could revitalize his career before it ends.
The Heat are a good landing spot for the veteran, as they offer the chance to play in the postseason while also having minutes available at the wing. With Chris Bosh out they have been playing small more often and need all the perimeter depth they can get. Gerald Green has struggled recently as well and Dwyane Wade needs to have his minutes monitored, so Johnson could play a big role for Miami in the final stretch of the season and the playoffs.
Johnson is averaging 12 points per game on 40 percent shooting from the field.
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