Tyler Johnson's Nets Offer Sheet Matched by Heat: Latest Details and Reaction
The Miami Heat retained guard Tyler Johnson on Sunday, matching the four-year, $50 million offer sheet he signed with the Brooklyn Nets, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Turner Sports Analyst David Aldridge confirmed the news.
Johnson, 24, was a solid player off the bench for Miami in the 2015-16 season, averaging 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. After Dwyane Wade signed with the Chicago Bulls, the team decided to retain Johnson to help fill the void Wade's departure left at shooting guard.
This has been an offseason of turnover for the Heat. Wade and Luol Deng bolted in free agency, while the team re-signed center Hassan Whiteside to a four-year, $98 million deal, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Chris Bosh's future, meanwhile, is uncertain. After blood clots prematurely ended his past two seasons, his contract could come off the books for Miami next summer if he's forced to retire early for medical reasons.
At this point, the team's known core includes Whiteside, Johnson, Justise Winslow, Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson. If Bosh indeed plays, the Heat still have the makings of a fringe playoff team, and Wade's decision to sign elsewhere will free them up to sign a few veterans to round out their roster.
Johnson and Richardson, meanwhile, seem likely to battle for the starting spot at shooting guard, barring any additions at the position. Richardson, who came on strong down the stretch for the Heat and has impressed during summer-league play, will be the early favorite to earn the gig.
Regardless of whether Johnson starts or comes off the bench, he will have an important role to play in Miami this coming season and beyond.
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