The first big free agent news comes out of the ATL (which should really come as no surprise); it has been reported that the Hawks have indeed offered guard Joe Johnson a max deal for 6 years worth $119 million … and sources close to Joe say that he will indeed accept the offer…SMH
Yahoo Sports reports:
The Hawks moved quickly at midnight ET to try to secure their franchise star and offered the contract that Johnson’s agent Arn Tellem sought from the organization. Sources say ownership OK’d the max offer and general manager Rick Sund delivered it in Los Angeles.
After receiving the Hawks’ offer, Johnson met with a contingent from the New York Knicks that included coach Mike D’Antoni, Johnson’s former coach with the Phoenix Suns. Knicks GM Donnie Walsh didn’t attend.
The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks were pushing for meetings with Johnson on Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles where they could discuss possible sign-and-trade scenarios. The Chicago Bulls also have interest in Johnson.
Honestly, I don’t know what the Hawks are thinking at this point. Let’s just be real here, Joe Johnson is no superstar; if I know that, the Atlanta Hawks definitely know that. Don’t get me wrong — Joe Johnson is a nice player, but not a max contract player by any means.
You mean to tell me he will be getting $20 million a year after he managed just 12.8 points per game on 30 percent shooting against Orlando in the second round?
“Hey Joe, thanks for leading us to that 2nd round sweep when we lost by 20+ per game. Here’s $119 million. Keep up the good work.”
This goes to show that the cost of bricks is getting mighty expensive in today’s climate.
I know one thing; Joe Johnson better hurry up and accept that offer before the Hawks realize what they are doing.
I leave you with the first song that comes to mind when thinking of this situation:
OUT!
Kris Moyo is one of BSO’s newest writers and comes from a long background of jive talking and pimp walking. You can follow Kris on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/IAMKRIS24
