Guard Joe Johnson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after he clears waivers.
According to ESPN, Johnson was making $24.9 million before negotiating a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets. The earliest Johnson could sign with the Heat is after 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, which is when he will clear waivers. The earliest that he could play would be Feb. 28.
There were several teams interested in Johnson besides the Heat, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks.
Johnson signed a six-year, $124 million contract with the Nets in 2010. He is in the final year of his contract and is averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds this season, according to USA Today. Johnson is shooting 37.1 percent from a three-point range.
Johnson’s signing could have luxury tax implications for the Heat. If the Heat sign him immediately, they will go over the luxury tax and would have to pay the league after the season. If Johnson doesn’t sign until March 10, then the Heat could avoid the luxury tax.
The addition of Johnson should help the Heat, who are currently without lead scorer Chris Bosh, point guard Beno Udrih and reserve guard Tyler Johnson due to heath issues. It is unknown if Bosh will return this season.
The Heat are 32-25, fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
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