Atlanta Hawks: All-in with max offer for Joe Johnson
When the Hawks meet with Joe Johnson in Los Angeles soon after the start of the free-agency negotiating period at 12:01 Thursday they are prepared to offer him a six-year contract for the maximum amount allowed, according to people with knowledge of their plans.
The exact amount of maximum contracts won’t be determined until a league audit is completed over the next week, but it’s expected to total about $119 million for a player with Johnson’s experience. The other teams making pitches to Joe can only offer him five years at about $92 million. I still believe that a gap of up to $27 million or so will be too much for Joe to turn down regardless of what other teams have to say about teaming up with LeBron or Bosh (or both), earning more in endorsements, or anything else not having to do with $27 million.
As a Bird-rights free agent, Johnson is eligible to receive from the Hawks a six-year contract starting at about $15.8 million with maximum raises of 10.5 percent in each year (the raises are based on the first-year salary and don’t compound). Keeping in mind that the numbers are not finalized, the year-by-year breakdown of the contract would look something like this: $15.8 million in 2010-11, $17.5 million in 2011-12, $19.4 million in 2012-13, $20.8 million in 2013-14, $22.4 million in 2014-15 and $24.1 million 2015-16. Joe would be 34-years old during the final season of the deal.
Before you ask, I’m wearing my beat writer’s beanie and keeping my opinion on this move to myself. Bret LaGree at Hoopinion . THHB at Peachtree Hoops and atl_hawk_luv at Hawks Str8Talk all offer reasonable takes on why they don’t like a max deal for J.J.
In analyzing this for yourself, keep in mind that the Hawks wouldn’t have the cap flexibility to find a comparable replacement for Joe in free agency. So if you want him gone, it means accepting that the Hawks probably wouldn’t be as good without him in the short term (LaGree and atl_hawk_luv explained why they think that’s OK). Also remember that if Joe accepts the deal and continues to produce at his current level for a couple years he could be a very tradeable asset in the future; his contract wouldn’t necessarily become an albatross.
MC
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672 comments Add your comment
i_am_soulstar
July 1st, 2010
9:16 am
Chris Bosh is overrated. Besides factoring in name recognition and ticket/jersey sales as a result, I’d take David Lee for less money.
Barton
July 1st, 2010
9:17 am
My point on dunking is that the guy is not a finisher. Lebron, Kobe, DWade can all finish at the rim and 98% of dunks usually go through the hoop. That lame floater of Joe Johnson’s goes in maybe 40% of the time. He’s 6′8″ and cannot elevate and dunk of people. He is soft.
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:17 am
Its looking like Jordan Farmar is getting a 1 year deal. If bibby gets traded he wouldnt be a bad backup PG
Peter
July 1st, 2010
9:17 am
Owners are not too bright, can’t run the organization in the black…that is making money…..they will sign Joe, and the Ball will stop, and the defense will stop, as everyone who won’t get a touch WILL be discouraged to try hard.
Bad move by the Hawks……..BUT perhaps Joe won’t take the money, as he is rich already, and want to make a move that he thinks will get him a championship ring……I hope this is the case !
lets go!!
July 1st, 2010
9:18 am
D21
I GUESS U A HATER TOO, U DONT KNO WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN, U DONT KNO HOW MUCH MONEY THEY HAVE TO GET OTHER PIECES UNLESS U WORK FOR THE NBA OR THE HAWKS, IM HAPPY THAT HE’S GETTING A RAISE, IF U WAS WORKING HARD LIKE HE WAS U WOULD WANT A RAISE TOO, IF HE HAD SCORED 30PTS IN THE PLAYOFFS, AND STILL LOST, YALL STILL WOULD HAVE SUMTIN TO SAY, IT DONT MATTER WHT U THINK AND I THINK HES GOING TO GET THAT MONEY, U CAN SUPPORT IT OR HATED IT
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:20 am
I_am_soulstar: For the past few years no one really talks about Bosh and then all the sudden he is a top 5 guy. NBA changes quickly. I also would rather have Lee. He is a 20/10 guy. Hate to say it but I think his race hurts him quite a bit
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:21 am
Peter: I have read two articles on Yahoo, link above, that say Johnson is strongly leaning towards taking our offer
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:23 am
Why do people think the Caps lock button makes them look cooler?
Barton
July 1st, 2010
9:23 am
I would just like to state generally for commenters alike that caps lock and typos do not enhance the credibility of your argument.
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:24 am
Poor Cleveland. Theyve been totally shut out and it seems there is hardly a possibility of Lebron coming back even after all they have done for him.
dll
July 1st, 2010
9:24 am
Why are we offering some a contract to someone doesn’t want to be here. Let take that money and go after a David Lee or Ray Allen or J. Saloman. Look what the bucks did to us. Took us to game 7 with a group on low profile players. We can do that here. Lets package a deal ( Bibby, Marvin, Joe Smith ) for a low profile center and draft pick.
JC Hammer
July 1st, 2010
9:26 am
The Hawks are crazy if they give Joe a max deal. They need to face reality. If they think that he’ll lead them to a championship they’re stupid. Why keep him? Expically after the way he played (or didn’t play) in the playoffs. Let him go and go after John Salmons, Kevin Martin or someother quality 2-guard. Joe’s not what he think he is. He’s a good player not a great player.
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:27 am
dll: I dont think we have the money for that. That is why signing Joe is such a vital thing. He is the only way we are going to get new quality players. We can trade his 20 million salary to another team for $20 million worth of players.
Phucker_jenkins
July 1st, 2010
9:27 am
Joe please reject the Hawks offer and take whatever the Knicks offer you! I promise you the Hawks will thank you later!!!!
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:29 am
JC Hammer: If we dont sign Joe, we probably wouldnt have the money for salmons anyway. BUT Kevin Martin is now with the Houston Rockets and Joe is meeting with them later today to discuss S&T so you may just get your man, JC
D21
July 1st, 2010
9:30 am
@Let’s go and from MC “Also remember that if Joe accepts the deal and continues to produce at his current level for a couple years he could be a very tradeable asset in the future; his contract wouldn’t necessarily become an albatross.”
Is “working hard” and “produce at the current level” taking Playoffs performance in your POV ?
I don’t care if he work hard or not, all I see is that he doesn’t exist in playoffs, so ha can stop working hard for that.
I am not a hater, I like Joe Johnson game, but he doesn’t deserve this money, or somewhere else, but not in ATL were owners doesn’t pay luxury tax.
And working hard or not, Max should not be allowed to players “leading” a team that at best got swept in second round.
Your opinion is for what a read a LOVER opinion, and it’s not worth more than HATER opinion.
I try to talk about it with some logic, while you are only singing “Joe is the best, he’s rich now !!!”.
What is interesting in signing such a thing ? Are you a kid, or from Joe’s family ? because they are certainly at this moment the only people acting like you are.
If you can’t admit that people not having the same opinion than you are all HATERS, then you’re are in trouble. It’s not all black or white, or 0 or 1 in the world, and often the sense and truth is between that.
LOVERS like you, and HATERS like some here are bringing pointless arguments.
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:31 am
Watch the Rockets everyone. Theyre trying to sign Bosh and I bet the possibility of playing together has Joe and Bosh intrigued. Houston has good pieces for us in a S&T
lets go!!
July 1st, 2010
9:31 am
Barton
July 1st, 2010
9:15 am
@ Let’s Go – I have a riddle for you.. If you have the ball all of the time what are you? A “ball hog.” IF you have the ball all of the time what can you lead your team in? Scoring AND Assists. Thanks for playing.
LOL NOT REALLY, U DIDNT MAKE ANY SENSE, U DONT HAVE TO HAVE THE BALL IN YOUR HAND ALL THE TIME TO BE THE LEADING SCORER, THAT WHAT A PG FOR, HE CAN KICK IT OUT TO U TO SCORE, AND IF UR DOUBLED AND KICKIN IT OUT, YEAH UR ASSIST IS GONNA BE UP 21PTS AND 5 ASSIST AND SHOOTING 43% IS NOT A BALL HAWG, ALL THEM SHOTS JAMAL CRAWFORD TOOK AND MISS SHOOTING IN THE 2O%, THATS WHO U NEED TO BE LOOKING AT AS THE BALL HOG
lets go!!
July 1st, 2010
9:37 am
D21
Steve
July 1st, 2010
9:37 am
When JJ was out a few games toward the end of last year the Hawks lost to some pretty bad teams. I don’t know how you say the Hawks are just as good without JJ. And don’t hate on Drew. The East will be much stronger next year – Wizards, Nets, Knicks, Bulls are all going to improve. We’ll probably go 46-36 if no injuries, but have a much stronger team (hopefully) once Sund gets through this summer – let’s see how we do in the playoffs.
I for one, think Sund does great with the financial restrictions put on him by ASG. Sell the 1 st pric for 3mill. Somehow, he sells it, and still gets his man in the 1st round – brilliant. And he stole Jamal from Sacremento, no doubt! 2 great moves by the ATL GM – show him some love. P.S. Signing Joe Smith and Jason for the vet minimums were sweet deals also – 2 best he could get for the money ASG wanted to spend – which was nothing!
i_am_soulstar
July 1st, 2010
9:38 am
Nobody,
I hate to admit it, but you might be right. That guys highly underrated for some reason.
Bosh is a 2nd tier guy at best if you ask me. I think he and Joe were both surrounded by considerable talent the past 3 years and Bosh never got his team past the first round in the post-season. That speaks volumes if you ask me. But someone’ll overpay for him, just like we’re gonna overpay for Joe (even though I’d rather overpay than lose him).
Phucker_jenkins
July 1st, 2010
9:38 am
Call the Hawks P.R. Department and let your feelings be known (404) 878-3800. I just let them know I won’t be renewing my season tickets if he signs that deal!!!!
Steve
July 1st, 2010
9:38 am
1st pic not pric – sorry!
lets go!!
July 1st, 2010
9:39 am
D21
STOP PUTTING ALL UR FEELINGS IN THIS MAN, HES RICH NOW, PLEASE GET OUT YOUR FEELINGS, JOE’S THE MAN IN ATLANTA
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:39 am
lets go: Jamaals job IS to come off the bench and do all he can to score as much as possible. Thats why he was awarded for being the BEST at what he did last year. Jamaal excelled in his role. you are mistaken
matt
July 1st, 2010
9:40 am
There is no accounting for the stupidity of the Hawks management. In two yers, this will be an albatross that will shackle the team. Let him walk. Who cares!!
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:42 am
Here are the Facts people. Joe has been offered the max. it is reported that he will excepted. It is also reported that he and the hawks are meeting with Dallas and Houston today to discuss S&T deals. All other speculation is just that. and most of yall are throwing out crap that has no proof.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Asb7OnqFAp4ULdcPTvDd9205nYcB?slug=ys-freeagentbuzz063010
lets go!!
July 1st, 2010
9:43 am
nobody
NOBODY UNDERSTANDS YOU, JOE IS THE MAN NOW SO FACE IT
ThatGuy
July 1st, 2010
9:43 am
I really don’t think JJ is worth 119 million…If the Hawks can pay him that much, why not try to get somebody who doesn’t get shut down in the playoffs by bigger, better defensive players…I think DWade, Bron, Bosch, Pierce, Haywood, would all love to play in Atlanta. It’s a great city with a lot to offer. JJ has helped us this far, but I don’t think he’s the guy to get us over the hump. We need a true big man, so Horford can move back to his natural position…Bibby has lost some steps…he’d be better coming off the bench at this stage in his career…definately not starter material anymore. Will Jeff Teague get to show his stuff this year?!
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:43 am
Like cunningham said, how is this an albatross? It seems Joe will easily continue to average 20+ a season. It is not hard to trade a man that is scoring 20+ a season. When and if we are finished with him, we will be able to deal him. Dont worry
WCJ
July 1st, 2010
9:43 am
IT’s Joe Johnson or bust. The Hawks have no choice, with only 7 million dollars in salary cap space if JJ is not resigned, what can the hawks do? The only thing the hawks can do is S-T Josh Smith or Marvin Williams with the 2011 first round pick for a Center, move AL to powerforward, and start Josh Childress at small forward(if he is signed)
and move on.Finally,sign the best players available to come off the bench.
Barton
July 1st, 2010
9:45 am
Ok lets play statistics game
Joe Johnson 38 MPG – 21.3 PPG – 4.9 APG – 4.6 RPG
Kobe Bryant 38.8 MPG – 27 PPG – 5.0 APG – 5.4 RPG (more stars on that team)
Lebron James 39 MPG – 29.7 PPG – 8.6 APG – 7.3 RPG (More stars on that team too)
Dwayne Wade 36.3 MPG – 26.6 PPG – 6.5 APG – 4.8 RPG
Joe Johnson is listed as 6′7″ 240
Lebron James is listed as 6′8″ 250
And you think Joe deserves the same money?
lets go!!
July 1st, 2010
9:45 am
THIS CONTRACT IS BETTER THEN YALL MAMAS COOKIN LOL
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:46 am
lets go: nobody understands you… I_am_soulstar has agreed with a few things Ive said so obviously someone understands…. However you are the idiot with the Caps Lock on rambling about some crap. I never said anything about Joe either. I wouldnt mind if he came back. Ive just stated facts. And it looks like the Hawks are trying to S&T him
James
July 1st, 2010
9:48 am
Man, Joe Johnson is not worth the money. He is not a player to build a team around. He’s more like a Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan. Let him go!!!!! Jamal Crawford will do just fine!
formerfan
July 1st, 2010
9:49 am
Why is anyone talking about trading Al Horford? It will not happen anytime soon. The only way he gets traded is if he doesn’t have a long term deal done by the trade deadline of the 2011-2012 season. That is the last year the Hawks currently have contractual control of him. Period. That is all.
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:50 am
If rashard lewis is worth this money I think even Joe is worth this money
lets go!!
July 1st, 2010
9:51 am
Barton
U CAN PUT UR LITTLE STAT GAME UP, ITS A DONE DEAL HES GETTIN PAYED, WHAT U DOING IS IRRELEVANT
i_am_soulstar
July 1st, 2010
9:53 am
Bucks just locked up Drew Gooden @ 5 years, 32 million. They’re still trying to resign John Salmons.
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:53 am
Why would you want to trade Horford? Like all of yall are crazy. Its funny how easily yall forget. Horford was a beast this season
JoJo the Godfather
July 1st, 2010
9:53 am
Keep Joe…Look in to trading Josh Smith, Marvin Williams & a 1st round pick to Indiana for Danny Granger & Jeff Foster…Indiana needs a core PF and Hawks need a core SF…Probably depends on thier view of Marvin & the recently drafted Paul George as players with potential…Hawks can build around Johnson, Granger & Horford.
Ojayjuel
July 1st, 2010
9:54 am
Forget Joe! Go get Rudy Gay and call it a day. He’s young and still has a great upside to his game. Speaking of maxxed out, Joe has already hit his ceiling. He’s not getting any much better from here. Joe’s not aggressive enough, but would do great in a situation where he’s not the main man, becasue pressure already bust his pipe (playoffs).
Sautee
July 1st, 2010
9:54 am
This is a good one:
Woodson II the sequel
July 1st, 2010
1:24 am
Josh
July 1st, 2010
12:37 am
“strong statements please post your link…that is if you have one.”
Now where is that Dept. of Irony guy when you need him, LOL?
Rough Rider
July 1st, 2010
9:55 am
Yea, I think it would be best for the hawks if horford did move to back up Josh and the new center or be traded. I agree with Al Horford’s view that he Hawks need a real center and a true point guard. I also agree with Al that he is a power forward.
John Shaft
July 1st, 2010
9:58 am
If the hawks get a real center, keep JJ and Crawford + josh there is no way they wont compete in the later rounds.
Mike is back
July 1st, 2010
9:59 am
Ken Strickland, excellent point on Melo…you are really bringing it bro. You and Nejeah have taken it to another level.
@MsDee, as far as Teague playing in a playground…you couldn’t give him two better players to run with then Josh and Al. They can get out on the break with the best of them. I assure you that want be a problem for Teague.
While everyone is traumatized by dollar sign $$$$$$, and length of contract…they are not being realistic about the after math of JJ departure. It’s the circumstances that are driving the max contract…not the man himself.
What’s that ole TeddyP song. The whole town laughing at me…SILLY FOOL…HOW YOU LOOSE…SUCH A GOOD THANG. lol
That will be the Hawks new theme song…you think you heard boos during playoff…wait until we are back struggling to win 40 games…with no hopes of signing an elite player…because of our cap.
Those three stooges…ooooops my bad…I mean those three cats mentioned by MC…are just pilfering off JJ popularity like everyone else…trying to generate some hype. Isn’t that why the Larry Bird rule was created in the first place???????????????????????/
I willing to bet that LBJ, Wade, and Melo wouldn’t have a problem with their GM going out and signing JJ to a max contract to join their team.
So give Sund and the ASG some credit…they know they have to offer JJ a max contract…to retain his services…THAT’S WHATZUP!!!
doc
July 1st, 2010
10:00 am
NAJEH
i wrote this earlier last night then saw your own comments this am that reflects the same thing:
doc
June 30th, 2010
9:22 pm
the only thing keeping jj from being 1 a type is the inability to either draw contact or get the respect from the refs he deserves. if he were avg 4 to 5 more free throws a night which is conceivable then he avgs about 24.5 ppg and shows more efficiency. maybe a max contract will get him into the select “protected” club of kobe, wade, laqueen, etc.
ireally dont think folks realize how good jj i. is he the guy who can take us to the promised land? no one player does that … ask paul pierce.’
someone blindly said “the only reason the asg offered max to jj was they were afraid we would end up in the lottery”. well duh, what was the point and isnt that what any sane hawks fan would vote against. yup keep your assets then deal them later on your terms if possible rather than wait to see how the balls fall.
Rough Rider
July 1st, 2010
10:00 am
nobody
July 1st, 2010
9:53 am
Why would you want to trade Horford? Like all of yall are crazy. Its funny how easily yall forget. Horford was a beast this season
the dude is a career 12 pts a game what the hell are you talking about?
coach smith
July 1st, 2010
10:01 am
Any chance the Hawks are interested in these two trades IF Joe Johnson resigns
Tyson Chandler to come in an play center allowing Horford to move to PF
and the Nuggets are shopping Carmelo Anthony, trade Josh SMith etc to bring in Mello
That would create a lineup of Joe Johnson, Carmelo Anthony, Al Horford, and Bibby/Jamal Crawford
not too shabby
Rough Rider
July 1st, 2010
10:02 am
Hell buddy, even horford said he did not want to play center after the embarrassment of his play this year. Its right there in that peach tree hoops article. The man said that the hawks needed a real center… what the hell is that?