James Johnson will become a coveted free agent at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, but he won’t be making any quick decisions.
In fact, Johnson told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald on Friday that he was willing to wait a few days to find out if the Miami Heat are successful in landing their top target: Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward.
“I’m a patient guy,” Johnson told Jackson at DJ Irie’s annual golf tournament to benefit the Irie Foundation. “They can take as long as they want. My mindset is winning. I think Hayward can help us win and I’m all for it. They brought me here for a reason and I know they’re going after Hayward for a reason and I think his statistics and his numbers that he [produces], he fits in the best here.”
This endorsement from Johnson gives the Heat front office a chance to woo Hayward without the fear of another team swooping in to grab Johnson.
“The [Heat] haven’t said too much, but all I know is that if he comes here, he’ll be great for us,” Johnson said about Hayward.
Johnson and Hayward share the same agent, Chicago-based Mark Bartelstein, which could help the process.
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“We let that business side take care of the business side,” Johnson said. “Mark Bartelstein is going to take care of his clients, which Hayward and me both belong to.”
The Heat forward has made it clear during the offseason that he is interested in returning to Miami.
“Of course, of course,” he said when asked if he’d like to return to the Heat. “I’ve never experienced family this close, this fast, an organization like this that really brings out the best in me and allows me to bring out the best in my players and my teammates and that’s all you can ask for.”
The 30-year-old averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists last season and has continued to work out at the Heat practice facility over the summer. Johnson is enjoying the spotlight of being one of the best forwards on the market but said he has no visits scheduled with any teams.
“This is the first free agency I’ve ever got the green light, or the go-ahead, one of those guys that somebody wants right away. With that being said, I’m used to waiting. I’m used to waiting,” Johnson said. “I’m one of the guys that after the roster is filled, then OK, we have enough to bring him. It’s a different position I’m in, but I’m used to waiting. The Miami Heat doesn’t make mistakes. They’re going to bring in who they think we can win with and I’m all for it.”
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