It was evident the Heat would sign Joe Johnson. It was just hard to believe they’d sign him so quickly, given the luxury-tax questions.
But they did.
Though teams typically say they don’t disclose contract terms, they almost always note if it’s a 10-day deal. It’s safe to assume this is a rest-of-season contract.
That’d put the Heat over the luxury-tax line, though tax payments are determined based on team salary on the last day of the regular season. Miami could still dodge the tax by convincing a player to accept less money in a buyout (Udonis Haslem?) or waiving a player who’s claimed by another team (Haslem? Beno Udrih?). Though Udrih is likely out for the season, his salary could help the 76ers save money by moving them closer to the salary floor.
Or maybe this shows just how much Miami values Johnson -- who adds much-needed wing depth and scoring punch, especially as an outside shooter.
