Free Agency: 5 Players That Could Replace Dion Waiters
By Ben Bundy
Joe Johnson
Age: 34 Height: 6’7” Weight: 240
2015-16 Stats: 12.2 points, 3.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds
Oklahoma City showed plenty off interest in Joe Johnson after he was waived by the Brooklyn Nets midway through last season. Johnson decided to sign with the Heat though, where he finished out his season on a high note. Now that he’s hitting free agency again, the Thunder are once again after the 34-year-old swing man.
Johnson may be one of the older impact players in the league, but he is still putting up numbers that will have many teams after him once again. He is a very consistent shooter, averaging 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from three with the Heat. His size also makes him someone who could play both shooting guard and small forward, which makes him versatile on both sides of the ball.
The Thunder could make a great case to bring Johnson to Oklahoma City. He would be someone that would add immediate depth and fire power to the Thunder bench. He is a player that seems to be willing to take a little less to try and win a championship, which also goes in the Thunder’s favor.
The Heat have recently said they are going to let Johnson leave during free agency in an attempt to free up money and room for some potentially big signings. This means that Johnson will be on the market and looking at plenty of offers from teams needing a dependable veteran on their bench. Fortunately for Oklahoma City, there aren’t many teams that will be able to make a better pitch to him during free agency.