NBA Rumors: James Johnson agrees to four-year deal with Miami Heat

James Johnson has agreed to a four-year deal with the Miami Heat. Johnson had a breakout season in Miami last season.

James Johnson will stick in South Beach after a breakout season. Johnson, 30, averaged career highs in points (12.8), rebounds (4.9), and assists (3.6). The Renaissance in Miami will continue for Johnson as the two parties have agreed to a four-year deal. Minutes after signing Kelly Olynyk to a mega contract, Miami looks to stay in the thick of things in a wide open Eastern Conference.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN was the first to report the news:

Johnson, an eight-year veteran from Wake Forest, has played for the Bulls, Raptors, Kings and Grizzlies during his NBA career. The journeyman really found a home in Miami surrounded by a great coach in Erik Spoelstra who helped him find the perfect role. Johnson’s tough, gritty vibe helped make the Heat a playoff contender a year ago.

To make room for Johnson, Miami has to execute a trade sending Josh McRoberts out of town. The former Duke product could be shipped out as a salary dump along with a second-round pick to Dallas. Miami is clearly trying to win as they now don’t have a second-round pick until 2022. Bringing back Johnson was important as he will get a large chunk of the small forward minutes along with Justise Winslow who is returning from injury.

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After a 41-41 season, the Heat continued a flurry of moves to help improve the roster. Bringing back Dion Waiters and drafting Bam Adebayo out of Kentucky was a good start. Adding big man Kelly Olynyk gives the Heat another low post scorer next to Hassan Whiteside who can also stretch the floor. In the Eastern Conference, Miami could be playoff bound.