NBA News: Miami Heat Expected to Sign Joe Johnson

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After three and half seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Joe Johnson negotiated a buyout of his contract with the team to become a free agent. Rumors began to circulate about numerous teams being interested in Johnson’s services with the Cleveland Cavaliers said to be at the top of his wish list.

Although it seemed inevitable that Johnson would sign with the Cavaliers, the veteran guard has decided to go in a different direction. Johnson is expected to sign a deal with the Miami Heat once he officially clears waivers, according to ESPN:

The Miami Heat expect to sign former All-Star guard Joe Johnson when he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

Brook Lopez appears to be the last man standing of the star-studded squad the Nets built a few years back. Paul Pierce (Los Angeles Clippers), Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves), Deron Williams (Dallas Mavericks), Johnson (Miami Heat), and former head coach Jason Kidd (Milwaukee Bucks) have all moved on.

Without much movement at the trade deadline, a lot of playoff contenders around the league have been looking to add to their rosters with players that have been bought out of their contracts.

Ty Lawson is potentially the next notable player in line to be picked up by a playoff bound team with the Houston Rockets on the verge of buying out the veteran point guard. Kevin Martin is also another candidate with the guard expected to be bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As for the Heat, Miami may not be considered a legitimate title contender, but adding Johnson improves their chances of competing in the Eastern Conference. Miami has 20/1 odds (via Sportsbook.ag) to come out of the East this season with the Boston Celtics (8/1), Toronto Raptors (7/1), and Cleveland Cavaliers (2/9) sitting ahead of Dwyane Wade and company.