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NBA Rumors: Ivan Johnson close to a return?

By Andrew Melnick

Apr 12, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Ivan Johnson (44) handles the ball between Milwaukee Bucks power forward Ekpe Udoh (13) (left) and point guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half at Philips Arena. The hawks defeated the Bucks 109-104. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Ivan Johnson (44) handles the ball between Milwaukee Bucks power forward Ekpe Udoh (13) (left) and point guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half at Philips Arena. The hawks defeated the Bucks 109-104. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Ivan Johnson (44) handles the ball between Milwaukee Bucks power forward Ekpe Udoh (13) (left) and point guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half at Philips Arena. The hawks defeated the Bucks 109-104. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Ivan Johnson (44) handles the ball between Milwaukee Bucks power forward Ekpe Udoh (13) (left) and point guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half at Philips Arena. The hawks defeated the Bucks 109-104. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Former Atlanta Hawks’ big man Ivan Johnson has spent his season playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association. After starting his career with stints in the NBA’s Developmental League and in South Korea, it looked like Johnson may have finally found a home in the NBA after signing with the Hawks in 2011.

That obviously wasn’t the case.

However, now that the trade deadline is over, teams could again become interested in bringing the 29-year old back to the NBA.

Jorge Sierra of Hoops Hype gave an update on Johnson during his chat.

"DeSeanWhat’s up with Ivan Johnson?"

"Jorge Sierra @hoopshype"

"Ivan Johnson recently finished the season with Zhejiang in the Chinese League, where he put up monster numbers – like pretty much every decent American player that goes over there. We’re told he’s had some private workouts with NBA teams this week and will have some more the following one. He’s one of the best free agent big men available, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back in the NBA before the regular season comes to an end."

Johnson spent the last two seasons with the Hawks, his only two seasons in the NBA. During the 2012-13 season, he appeared in 69 games, starting five. He averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per game.

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