Free agent Ivan Johnson hasn't seen interest from NBA teams build in recent weeks and he's now seriously considering lucrative offers out of China and Italy, according to Shams Charania of RealGM. Four clubs are still in talks with Johnson, but none of those teams have stepped up enough for his representatives to feel good about things.
Johnson, who is one of the better big men left on the open market, is looking for offers higher than the veteran's minimum. That could be overly ambitious considering the fact that Johnson's free agency has been moving in "slow motion" as of late.
“It is very legitimate Ivan could end up overseas this season,” agent Jeremiah Haylett said. “It’s the best possibility right now. It wouldn’t be a multi-year deal, though, because he would like to get back into the NBA.”
Over the past two seasons, the 6'8" forward has averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 125 games for the Hawks. The Knicks have been among the clubs linked to Johnson, but his salary requirements coupled with the signing of Jeremy Tyler could hurt his chances in New York.
Johnson is no stranger to playing overseas, having had stints in South Korea, Puerto Rico, and China.