The Miami Heat were winners at the trade deadline, and they did not even make a big trade. Instead, the team capitalized on failed deals for Joe Johnson and signed the guard upon his release from the Brooklyn Nets. Now, the Heat are thriving at the right time despite missing players like Chris Bosh and Tyler Johnson. After a 129-111 win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, Johnson is hoping that the relationship between the two continues.
Johnson is finding his way quickly with the Heat. Inserted into the starting lineup, he put up 24 points, going 10 of 13 from the field. He has been a solid compliment to Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade while the team plays without Bosh. The relationship is working and the Heat are suddenly looking like contenders once again thanks to the play of Johnson.
"I wanted to come here and try to take some of that pressure off [Wade]," Johnson said. "I wanted to come here and help out as much as possible, be that versatile guy that they can use out there on the floor and keep the floor spaced so we can make plays."
Johnson's deal with the Heat expires at the end of the season, and he wants to continue playing in South Beach for potentially the rest of his career. However, the Heat are extremely cash-strapped and that might not be possible. Heading into free agency, the Heat have to worry about re-signing Wade, making a decision on Hassan Whiteside and attempting to acquire Kevin Durant. There might not be room for Johnson depending on the deal he requests. The guard was originally signed to a contract that was making him the second-highest paid player in the league. He would have to take a big pay cut to stay with the Heat.
"The most important thing Pat [Riley] told me was that this wasn't just a short-term deal, that he would like for me to finish my career here. That's what we're working toward," said Johnson. "Hopefully, I can finish my career here. I know nothing is set in stone."
The Heat will have around $37 million in cap space to work with in free agency. Wade wants a long-term deal. Luol Deng will be a free agent. Whiteside wants a max contract. Durant will demand a max contract. Johnson might get a one-year deal at best.
Of course the guard could be a major priority for the Heat should Bosh not return. The All-Star is undergoing his second bout with blood thinners following a clot in his calf muscle. There is pressure for Bosh to sit the rest of the season and potentially retire should the issue not get fixed. That would make Johnson a priority for 2016.
