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
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
672 comments Add your comment
ryan
June 30th, 2010
10:03 pm
I say if we keep Joe then if we can package for Mello or CP3 trade Josh Smith & Jamal Crawford orJosh Smith and Teuge and you have your star and Joe.
Raul
June 30th, 2010
10:04 pm
Don’t do it Hawks!
Joe Johnson is not D Wade or Lebron. Why pay him as much as those players?
ClassicHawks
June 30th, 2010
10:04 pm
@DDD. IT IS WHAT IT IS. THERE IS ONLY ONE JORDAN, ONE KOBE, ONE DWADE, ONE LEBRON. YOU CAN JUST GET THEM EASILY. JOE IS THE BEST BET.
I miss Dominique
June 30th, 2010
10:05 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ben
June 30th, 2010
10:09 pm
GREAT MOVE…………………….if you like early playoff exits. This is laughable as a move forward. Just throw the money directly into the toilet.
Obama
June 30th, 2010
10:09 pm
what a waste of money. He will be broke at 38 just like all the irresponsible rappers and athletes.
tmk
June 30th, 2010
10:12 pm
where’s tightwad Belkin when you actually need him?
Aside: Other than Melo, who are the premier FAs for 2011?
Michael Jordan
June 30th, 2010
10:12 pm
They need to let him go he is no leader no team player and no superstar . Only people in Atlanta know of him.
ryan
June 30th, 2010
10:19 pm
Don’t you people realize that Joe Johnson averaged 25 pts per game if you get rid of him you are taking a step back. Yes he had a bad playoff series but if we can put someone beside him like a Chris Paul we can get to the 3rd round.
Gutz
June 30th, 2010
10:21 pm
Yes Ryan! You people are crazy! We will be a mediocre team without Joe period. This guy could thrive in a real offense with no ISO crap. Get a clue!
Astro Joe
June 30th, 2010
10:22 pm
If NBA owners make their money by hosting home playoff games, then re-signing Joe is the most logical gamble that the ASG will have 5+ home playoff games for the next few years. If you are saying “let him walk” then you are essentially asking for the owners to make LESS money and that won’t lead to anything but more frustration. After two consecutive years of hosting 6 playoff games at Philips, we don’t want to back-track into a 7th seed and likely 2-3 home playoff games… that won’t lead to more spending, it will likely lead to less.
And this is not a lifetime employment contract, but it does ensure some short-term financial viability and there is nothing worng with that.
Oh and for those worried about the latter years of the deal, keep in mind that Joe is only a few months older than Wade, and Joe’s style of play (and body type) is far more likely to withstand aging and bruising than T-Mobile. Joe could move to SF as he slows down and still be effective/ This is one of the best business moves the ASG have made in recent years. Now let’s see what OUR 4-time All-Star does.
It aint that crazy
June 30th, 2010
10:23 pm
Najeh Davenpoop,
I wouldn’t count the Melo proposal Businessman and Tyler made earlier. Denver Nuggets would trade him and receive valuable assets rather than face the possibility of losing him for nothing as a free agent next summer. With a free agent period as crazy as it is a valuable Joe Johnson would not be a bad to receive in return as as well as a possible childress, marvin etc. Again, this is all hinging on the fact that Melo rejects the contract extension but I still don’t think this is totally illogical to think as you may have made it out to sound. Just a thought.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Carmelo-headed-to-trading-block-?urn=nba,252494
Yaz
June 30th, 2010
10:23 pm
$119 million for this lazy goon?
What a freaking joke.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 30th, 2010
10:24 pm
“Then you have fans worried about our ability to win a championship, when the Hawks haven’t even reached the EC Finals in most of our LIFETIMES.”
I still don’t understand this mindset you have that we should be satisfied with a less-than-championship team just because the Hawks have a history of mediocrity. You have made similar comments throughout the season. What do the Hawks’ past failures have to do with current expectations? Why should we Hawks fans be satisfied with making the playoffs if Knicks fans and Lakers fans and Celtics fans can expect their teams to contend for a title?
For the record, we agree on keeping Joe around, but this mindset of yours makes absolutely no sense.
chad
June 30th, 2010
10:24 pm
Stupid, stupid, stupid!! This guy vanishes when it’s all on the line and he’s gonna get Kobe and Lebron money??? Let him GO!!
Astro Joe
June 30th, 2010
10:24 pm
Love it:
WojYahooNBA With way that Hawks are coming for Joe Johnson, that’ll be over fast. Knicks are in real, real free agent trouble. Amar’e is lukewarm on NY.
The LeBron James Rumor Carousel: NBA Free Agency Links Around the Web, Plus a Few Predictions | The Wife Hates Sports
June 30th, 2010
10:25 pm
[...] Speaking of Joe Johnson, he’s an interesting case – especially considering that Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Hawks plan to offer Johnson a max contract. [...]
Bill Arp
June 30th, 2010
10:25 pm
Johnson is just a worthless thug. Kick his azz out the door and good riddance.
True Atlanta Fan
June 30th, 2010
10:26 pm
This better not affect the long term signing of Josh Smith and Al Horford in the future (the true heart of this team).
ddd-house
June 30th, 2010
10:27 pm
ClassicHawks i understand that; all i am say is that if joe showed up for playoff games, we all would be saying keep him
Ptolemy XIII
June 30th, 2010
10:27 pm
He can go!
Done deal
June 30th, 2010
10:27 pm
To all you who keep hating on Joe he hasn’t done anything in the playoffs for us should look back in 2008. Joe Johnson was the reason why we went to 7 games with Boston. Even in that one game in the series when they were doubling him the whole game he still found the way to hit that big step back three for us. So don’t say he has never showed up in the playoffs. Do not get me wrong I definately do not want to give him that huge contract and I do think that would kill our franchise. So I’m all for signing him but at like 12-14m a year
chad
June 30th, 2010
10:30 pm
If i’m gonna give a guy max $$, I better damn well be able to look on the court and know who that guy is. Joe is a good player but he isn’t a guy that stands out physically or vocally and that is what you need in return for max $$! The guy just goes into hiding!
Not to mention he said he couldn’t care less about the fans!
bigdave
June 30th, 2010
10:31 pm
Sekou just said he spoke with people close to Joe and Hawks are in drivers seat..
Sandra
June 30th, 2010
10:31 pm
What a waste of money. He will be broke at 38 just like all the irresponsible rappers and athletes.
You got that exactly right. Pay an illiterate lazy thug millions of dollars and you get a very rich illiterate lazy thug.
The Hawks management has lost their mind.
ClassicHawks
June 30th, 2010
10:31 pm
YESSSSSSSSS!! BRING BACK JOE! BRING BACK JOE!!
samuel
June 30th, 2010
10:32 pm
I think the Hawks should think twice before giving Joe johnson a huge contract like this. If he were D Wade- Kolby or Labron, I would understand. Hence he’s not on there level. Joe didn’t exude leadership and confidence in the playoffs. He was far from Mr clutch, missing shot after shot. I saw him when adversity came his way. And he responded with bad body language and negativity towards the fans. If he signs with another team it will be for- far less money than he’ll get from the Hawks. But it won’t suprise me if the hawks go through with this. This organization has been plagued with bad decision making. I say let Joe go.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 30th, 2010
10:33 pm
“Again, this is all hinging on the fact that Melo rejects the contract extension but I still don’t think this is totally illogical to think as you may have made it out to sound. ”
Even if Melo ultimately rejects the Nuggets’ contract offers, the negotiations between the two parties will go on until the season starts. Only at that point, if negotiations don’t progress, will the Nuggets start looking at trade possibilities. This is what happens every year with every free agent that has an expiring contract — they negotiate until October and then the player comes out with the “I just want to focus on basketball” line and negotiations stall.
The Hawks, on the other hand, have to make a decision on Joe now. Once they sign him, they can only trade him for half his salary during his first season, due to the base-year compensation rule. Executing a sign-and-trade of Joe for Melo will not work because the decision on Joe will have to come months before the decision on Melo, and trading Joe for Melo during the season probably won’t work because the Hawks will have to throw in another big salary to make salaries match.
Regardless, it would surprise the hell out of me if Denver can’t get a deal done with Melo before the season starts.
ClassicHawks
June 30th, 2010
10:33 pm
ATLANTA HAWKS FANS ARE STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPID!! LAZY THUG? IF YOU SAY NOT TO SIGN JOE JOHNSON BACK WITH NO ONE EVEN CLOSE TO HIS SKILL TO REPLACE HIM, PLEASE GO AND KILL YO SELF!!!! I’M DONE FOR THE DAY!! HOLLA!
bigdave
June 30th, 2010
10:34 pm
NBA TV Decision 2010.. quality TV.. tune in..
doc
June 30th, 2010
10:34 pm
northcyde, though we have often gone to round and round on fans and how they should spend their money or physically support the tem with applying their fannies to a seat, what do you think the ratio of season ticket holders is to non in the group decrying this move by the hawks, maybe 1 in 50?
Tangram
June 30th, 2010
10:35 pm
After the last playoffs, I will not waste my time any more even thinking about the Hawks.
No more expensive tickets just to see thugs like Johnson play. It’s a joke that he’s even in the NBA.
Don!
June 30th, 2010
10:39 pm
At this point, if Joe takes the money from us — I’m okay with it. Not happy, not sad, just okay. I believe he’ll be worth the money the first three years of the deal … but not the last.
On the other hand, if Joe doesn’t take our money — I’m not broken hearted, but I also know that we’re not going to get equal value in a sign-and-trade, nor is any decent free agent going to sign here until the ASG sells the team.
I think Joe keeps us at Status Quo. I don’t think this team, as constructed, can win a championship because we’re weak at the 1 and 5 slots, and we don’t have a true superstar player — Joe’s not it folks — that can carry us like Kobe has the Lakers, Jordan did the Bulls, and folks are going to expect King James to wherever he goes.
Is it worth going into the luxury tax realm in 2013-2016 for 45-55 wins a year? That’s what we get with Status Quo Joe.
But hey, we’ll be better than half the league anyway.
Later,
Don!
bigdave
June 30th, 2010
10:41 pm
DA & NBATV > BROUSSARD/ BUCHER &CO @ ESPN
darrell starks
June 30th, 2010
10:43 pm
For all you people who come on here calling some 1 a thug you should be a shame of your self not noing what’s the true meaning behind the word should be up lifted from the book it’s self.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Mookie's Mom
June 30th, 2010
10:44 pm
bigdave. you’re right, NBA TV Decision TV is a must watch. Lots of interesting speculation from the ‘experts’, including our friend Sekou. It is lots of $$ to throw at Joe, but it beats the alternative of a possible sign-and-trade for lesser players and less wins
Najeh Davenpoop
June 30th, 2010
10:47 pm
Damn I wish I got NBA TV… hope I can find a stream somewhere.
ddd-house
June 30th, 2010
10:47 pm
Tangram: why do he have to be a thug? he has not done anything to be a thug, have not been on the news for RAPE, like big Ben.
Think about what you saying before you start calling some one name. Do you know what a THUG is?
Ken Strickland
June 30th, 2010
10:50 pm
Some of our fans can’t seem to distinguish their butts from a hole in the ground. First they constantly whine and complain about the ASG being broke and not being willing to spend money to win. Now that they have committed to spending money, these same nuts are now whining and complaining about the amount of money they’re spending. FOREST FOT THE TREES.
Last yr, with our limited half court OFF and dependence on ISO’s and jump shooting, and Woodson’s insistence on playing a switching DEF no matter how much it hurt us, the Hawks finished 3rd in the East with 53 wins, and tied with the Lakers for 12th with 101.7PPG and 97PPG allowed. We made it to the 2nd rd of the playoffs before getting swept for the 2nd consecutive yr.
Now, that’s an amazing feat when you consider we got very little OFF/DEF production from the PG position, very little OFF from the SF position, and aside from JCrawford, very little bench production. Suppose we fixed the SF situation by adding JChildress, who’s quicker, faster, more athletic, versatile, efficient and fundamentally sound than MWilliams.
Then suppose we fix the PG position by starting JTeague, who’s far quicker, faster and more athletic than MBibby, can create scoring opportunities for others and can consistently maintain an uptempo pace. Added to the mix is his ability to play solid on the ball DEF, which is something last yrs team severely lacked. It also means JJ won’t have to wear himself down playing PG’s and switching off on PF’s and C’s.
Under HC LDrew, the Hawks will finally establish an identity as a quick, fast, athletic DEF minded fast breaking team that keeps the pressure on for 48mins. If we can get a FA center like BHeywood, JPrzybilla, NMahommed, JOneal etc, to accept our MLE, we could make it to the Eastern conference finals.
bigdave
June 30th, 2010
10:51 pm
ahhh Poop.. may i interest you in Direct TV.. i think if you sign and reference me we both get a nice crispy big faced hundon..
Big A Hawks Fan
June 30th, 2010
10:51 pm
Another stupid move by the “Hillbilly” owners!!!! Please sale the team and let’s get owners in here that will stop doing stupid things!!! But you now what…. they are not getting any more of my money!!!
three jack
June 30th, 2010
10:51 pm
billy knight can rest easy as his all time worst free agent acquisition will be far surpassed by a max contract for ‘we don’t need no stinkin’ fans’ johnson.
why pay a run of the mill player who will be on serious decline for at least 40% of this contract so much money…come on atl spirit, get a freakin clue!
bigdave
June 30th, 2010
10:52 pm
in the spirit of F/A just weigh it over…
lol..
chad
June 30th, 2010
10:52 pm
I agree, these thug comments are uncalled for and are only going to bring out the race flamers. Stick to talking about basketball! Joe isn’t a thug nor is he a max-contract worthy player!
juice sourcer
June 30th, 2010
10:53 pm
completely insane…I will not be spending my money to go to Hawks games
hawkballer3
June 30th, 2010
10:54 pm
Joe is not not worth it. Joe totally pulled a disapearing act in the playoffs two years running. Expect the tickets to go up and already expensive food as well.
Gutz
June 30th, 2010
10:55 pm
Joe is worth it for this team!
cp
June 30th, 2010
10:55 pm
A whole bunch of foolishness on here. I truly don’t understand some of the people posting on here. You come on here daily and complain that we have cheap owners but now that they are willing to spend money you’re still bitching and complaining…………. Then we have these outlandish trade proposals… This aint NBA live or NBA 2k. You cant just make any trade you want because you want a certain player on your team…………….Then we have those who want guys who haven’t even done as much as Joe yet they want Joe gone. How do you want Joe gone but in return want a guy who hasn’t even done as much as Joe? I like Rudy Gay but what the hell has he done? Dude scores but plays absolutely no defense which is the reason him and Mayo don’t get along..Rudy does nothing other than scoring. He isn’t a good rebounder, plays no defense, and isn’t a good passer. If you were talking about replacing Marvin with Rudy then I would understand but not with Joe..
What is up with the coaching staff and the summer league team. Great to here that Teague is busting his azz trying to get better. I listened to the Jordan Crawford interview and I think he said he is working out twice a day so good to see he has a strong worth ethic also.
darrell starks
June 30th, 2010
10:56 pm
You have 2 be kidding me you mean 2 tell me the jazz would only want bass, jj redick in a sign and trade for boozer wow!!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
bigdave
June 30th, 2010
10:57 pm
oh NOOO Jimmy Johnson on an “ExtenZe” commercial.. sheeeeeeesh.. lol!