After releasing power forward Chris Bosh, the Miami Heat went on a signing spree, agreeing to four-year deals with free agent Kelly Olynyk and keeping James Johnson. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Olynyk, who last played for the Boston Celtics, signed a $50 million contract while the Heat rewarded Johnson with a $60 million deal.
The 26-year-old Olynyk played his first four seasons with the Celtics. Last season, he made 51.2 percent of his shots on the way to averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. The Celtics withdrew their qualifying offer to Olynyk after coming to terms with Gordon Hayward, making him an unrestricted free agent.
A first-round pick in 2013, Olynyk has added outside shooting to his arsenal, on top of his defense and hustle, during his tenure with the Celtics. He scored 26 points in Game 7 to carry the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Johnson coming off a career season
Last season, Johnson submitted career numbers, averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 boards, 3.6 dimes and shot 34 percent from three-point range with the Heat. With his 6-foot-9 frame and his outside touch, the 30-year-old Johnson can dominate smaller defenders and can zoom past slower forwards in the shaded lane.
A first-round pick out of Wake Forest in 2009 by Chicago, Johnson also played for the Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and the Heat.
In 474 career games, he averaged 7.5 points, 3.4 boards, and 1.8 assists in 19.7 minutes of action.
The Heat agreed to terms with Olynyk and Johnson after waiving Bosh, an 11-time All-Star who led the Heat to two titles alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. With the move, the Heat gained additional $25 million in salary cap space.
Bosh made it official Thursday after signing waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Heat to trade Josh McRoberts in salary-dump move
According to Wojnarowski, the Heat and the Dallas Mavericks are discussing a trade involving Josh McRoberts. Shams Charania of The Vertical said the Heat will send McRoberts and a second-round pick to the Mavericks for A.J.
Hammons.
The 30-year-old McRoberts will make a little over $6 million next season before he turns free agent next summer. During his three-year stay with the Heat, he averaged just 4.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in 22 outings. Hammons was a second-round pick by the Mavericks in 2016, playing just 22 games last season.
