Raptors Cage

Report: Raptors, Johnson Re-United With 2-Year Deal

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JJRe-United. The Toronto Raptors and James Johnson have mended together, as the ex-Memphis Grizzlies forward has agreed in principle to a 2-year deal. First reported by Gary Parrish of CBS:

@GaryParrishCBS: NBA News: Grizz free agent James Johnson has agreed in principle to a two-year contract with the Raptors, a source told

Then confirmed by Doug Smith of the Toronto Star:

“@SmithRaps: Late night we get Vasquez singing, early morning Raptors agree on two-year deal with former Raptor James Johnson, sources confirm”

Interesting deal. 2 years at 5 million dollars looks to be the figure.

With the current salary the Raptors possess, tying up nearly $31 million between the acquired Lou Williams, the re-signed Kyle Lowry, Patrick Patterson, and recently re-signed Greivis Vasquez, the current room to acquire another player in free agency is very limited.

That’s where this deal makes a lot of sense.

James Johnson fits a couple necessities for the Raptors; defence, rebounding, size, and slashing at the small forward position, not to mention the versatility to play the four spot – which he demonstrated in the past stint with the Raptors.

He will likely play a back-up role to Terrence Ross, and be used as a filler until either first-round pick Bruno Caboclo, or DeAndre Daniels are ready. Johnson’s abilities seem to be a good fit here, and his deal with the Raptors is likely cheap, which is another main reason why he was picked up over other names that were surrounding the team. P.J Tucker, Al-Farouq Aminu, etc. were names that the Raptors and company were interested in, however, Tucker is an RFA (Restricted free agent), and Aminu is still a young, active body garnering interest throughout the league. A high offer or a bidding war would not have favoured in the Raptors’ direction, and that’s why this option appeared; a cheap option for a position and play of need.

Despite all of James Johnson’s abilities, and likely cheap contract, he has had his fair share of off-court troubles, including recently with the Grizzlies, and even internal problems with Coach Dwane Casey – suspended by the team for a number of games rumoured because of motivation, role with team, or illegal uses.

This time around, Masai Ujiri is the man in charge, and fans and the organization know that they will not tolerate stupidity and personal gain. With hopes of an improved James Johnson on the floor, they hope that he will not be a distraction off the court to a young, team-oriented club that has shown promise for the future. James Johnson has returned for a second time, this time to fulfil an important role as a necessity to keep the Raptors in their winning ways and direction. Ujiri might be on his way to another Executive of the Year award, after keeping his key free-agents, and bringing in a need for likely a cheap price, things are looking solid for the upcoming roster.

 

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