Report: Utah Jazz playoff hero Joe Johnson to join Houston Rockets
By Ryan Aston
Joe Johnson is on the verge of a contract buyout with the Sacramento Kings after getting traded by the Utah Jazz.
In the weeks ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, it had become clear that Joe Johnson and the Utah Jazz no longer a matched. There wasn’t ill will on either side, it was just the reality of the situation. The Jazz had other (younger) options in the frontcourt and Johnson was eyeing a shot at an NBA title.
Although he was ultimately dealt to the Sacramento Kings, it looks like Iso Joe will get that shot.
Johnson and the Kings have been working on a contract buyout. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the former Jazz playoff hero has committed to joining the Houston Rockets once it’s completed.
Joe Johnson has committed to signing with Houston once his buyout is complete with Sacramento, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2018
Led by James Harden and Chris Paul, the Rockets have been near the top of the conference table all season. They currently trail the defending champion Golden State Warriors by just half a game in the West standings.
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Harden and Co. have also looked capable of dethroning the Warriors at times, but are undoubtedly looking to Johnson to help bridge the gap.
The 36-year-old was a major difference-maker for the Jazz last season. He routinely scored in double figures off the bench, knocked down 41 percent of his 3-point shots and was a crunch-time maven for Utah. That was never more apparent than in the team’s first-round playoff series with the LA Clippers.
Without Johnson’s late-game heroics, the Jazz probably don’t win that series.
This season, Johnson missed extended time with tendon instability in his right wrist. Since returning from said injury, he’s scuffled somewhat in the attempt to find his form. Over 32 games with the Jazz this season, he averaged just over seven points per contest on a 42-27-83 shooting split.
Obviously, that’s not the kind of line that will move the needle for the Rockets. If he can rediscover his groove, though, he’ll have the chance to be a playoff hero once again.