FEBRUARY 11, 5:34pm: The Kings have officially waived Johnson, the team announced on its website. Since the transaction was finalized today, Johnson will clear waivers on Tuesday.
FEBRUARY 10, 10:17am: Veteran Joe Johnson is expected to sign with the Rockets now that his buyout with the Kings has been finalized, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Johnson will clear waivers on Monday and be free to sign with Houston immediately.
Johnson, 36, was traded to the Kings on Thursday as part of a three-team deal that included the Cavaliers and Jazz. Once it became clear that Sacramento would likely buyout Johnson, early reports named the Celtics and Warriors as favorites for his services.
Johnson is in the second year of the two-year, $22MM deal he inked with Utah before the start of the 2016/17 season. The seven-time All-Star has been a starter for most of his 17-year NBA career but shifted into a reserve role with the Jazz last season. Johnson missed part of the season with a wrist injury but has averaged 7.3 PPG and 3.3 RPG in 32 games.
“Iso Joe” joins a Rockets team that is just half a game behind the Warriors for the best record in the Western Conference. The Rockets are also expected to sign 11-year veteran Brandan Wright, giving the team’s bench two scoring additions. Houston will have to waive a player, as the team has 14 players signed to guaranteed deals before the additions of Wright and Johnson, tweets ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Not the route I’d take. But if any team in the West has a shot at besting GSW, it’s Houston.
Houston’s depth is ridiculous.
One more isolation, one-on-one guy to add to those the Rockets already have.
Not going to be much ball movement at the end of the 4th quarter with this team.
A hard fought run through the playoffs with grind-it-out, one-on-one play will definitely wear down the Rockets… as opposed to moving the ball, spurs-warriors style, looking for the open man and wearing down the defense with passing and cutting.
This does not help the rockets at all…. one reason being Joe is coming to the end of the line.
I do see Johnson’s point of view as the other guy said, the Rockets have the best chance of defeating the Warriors.
You’re worried about the Rockets ball movement? Have you seen them play yet?
I know right? Rockets will be deep! Yes!
Houston ranks 22nd in the league in assists.
Sure they’re deep, but too many of the same kind of player.
Of course I’ve seen them play but I just think there’s a lot of iso stuff with Chris Paul, James Harden, and Eric Gordon.
No doubt they’re good and no doubt they find the open guy but there’s not a lot of ball movement.
Have they ever gone down on an offensive set and swung the ball five, six, seven, times?
Have you seen them play?
Could have made a bigger impact with the Celtics. But shouldn’t be concerned about his next deal rather trying to win a title, so not the worst choice of destination.
No he wouldn’t have…. They need Front Court help, not a wing player. Greg Monroe is only one piece to that problem, he wont defend anyone, but he will grab their missed layups.
How many more bigs does Boston need? Baynes, Theis and now Monroe will have minutes at center. Horford starts at pf but can play center at times. Morris and Tatum can also see time at the 4. Who are the backup wings behind Brown and Tatum?
Likely means tony Allen coming home to okc. (Played college at osu)
Wow the Rockets keep getting more dangerous
If Joe Johnson signs with the Rockets he’ll be sitting on the end of the bench in the 4th quarter watching his teammates.
His defense or lack thereof will keep them on the bench because they already have 3 Wing ISO guys.
If Eric Gordon or Chris Paul or James Harden gets hurt then sure he’s an insurance policy. Other than that no way Jose, so to speak.
The clash of styles, if it happens, and that is likely, between Houston and GSW might be greater than between Cleve and GSW… iso vs. flow.
And IMO, at this point Houston has more overall talent than Cleve did. Should be a great series!
My flapping gums agree.