The Cleveland Cavaliers were exploring trades for then-Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson over the summer of 2015. The talks never turned into anything more, but the Brooklyn Nets were always expected to consider trying to buy-out Johnson’s $24 million contract.
Ahead of the March 2016 deadline, they did, and many reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers were basically a lock to sign Johnson as soon as he cleared waivers. But before anyone knew, those reports came out to be untrue, and Johnson ultimately decided to sign with the Heat in a move that move Cavs fans still don’t understand.
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Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel spoke with Johnson, who revealed why he chose the Heat over the Cavs.
“Because it’s late in my career, man. I’ll be 35 this year,” Johnson said. “And I just was looking more for some type of security, not necessarily a verbal commitment or anything like that, but somewhere where I could really play and still come out and enjoy the game.”
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According to Winderman, Johnson said the up-tempo offense that the Heat offered him was much more appealing to him as opposed to the halfcourt-oriented style of the Cavs. Although, it is a little confusing because the Cavs have been making a concerted effort to get out and run the fast-break more. It’s possible that the absence of Bosh convinced Johnson that he’d have a bigger role with the Heat who have gone with smaller lineups since his arrival.
“Style of play was probably the biggest difference,” he said. “They told me they wanted to get up and down the floor and run, and I mean it enticed me. I thought it was the best fit.
“Just knowing that this team was a piece or two away from possibly being at the top,” he said, “I just wanted to help in some form or fashion.”
If he joined the Cavs, he would likely be a fourth option behind LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love. With Bosh out and the Heat suffering some injuries, Johnson has been playing well over 30 minutes a night, often times as the team’s primary scorer and ball-handler.
Johnson ultimately made the move for playing time with a chance to win as opposed to less playing time and a very good chance to win. It’s hard to argue that it was a bad move, though. Before the move, Johnson averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting just 40.6% from the field and 37.1% from downtown. In 10 games with the Heat, he’s averaging 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on an insane 56.5% from the field and 57.6% on three-pointers.
Although every Cavs fan would have loved to have Joe Johnson on our team, Johnson stated multiple times that his focus was just getting onto the court and playing, so he seems to be doing just that and fitting well with the Heat. We’ll see how he performs later tonight as the Cavs and Heat face off in Miami.
