Late night we get Vasquez singing, early morning Raptors agree on two-year deal with former Raptor James Johnson, sources confirm
— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) July 10, 2014
It’s a 2-year deal and Ryan Wolstat has some details:
Johnson inked a two-year deal, worth about $2.5 million US a season, slightly more than the $2.077 million bi-annual exception, since other teams were sniffing around him. Johnson revived his flagging NBA career with a strong 52 game stretch in Memphis last season.
This is the wing defender that you guys wanted and you got him, and this also marks the end of the Vince Carter return talk. For what it’s worth, Johnson was half-decent after he was shipped to Sacramento, making some fans even regret letting him go. Johnson was acquired in 2010-11 as part of a late first-rounder and then shipped out in 2011-12 as part of moves that only Bryan Colangelo ever understood.
A first-round pick (16th) of the Chicago Bulls in 2009, Johnson spent last season with the Grizzlies where he averaged 7.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 18 minutes in 52 games.
Johnson is best known for having facial expressions like these:
The Raptors depth at Small Forward is now Terrence Ross, Landry Fields, and James Johnson. Depending on how you rate Bruno Caboclo, throw him in there as well. RR Prediction: Fans will be begging for Dwane Casey to play Bruno Caboclo over James Johnson in the name of player development by mid-November.
UPDATE 11:08 (William)
I hate to be a stickler on this, but Johnson was charged with domestic assault, although the case has was dismissed. Something to consider. The deal is reportedly 2-years, $5 million. It’s unsure as of yet if both years are fully guaranteed.
