NBA Trade Deadine: Toronto Raptors Acquire James Johnson From Chicago Bulls

The Raptors announced Tuesday evening that they have acquired swingman James Johnson from the Chicago Bulls. In exchange, the Raps are giving up a 2011 first-round pick that they acquired from the Miami Heat from the Chris Bosh trade.

"James Johnson is a strong, athletic and versatile small forward that we have had our eye on dating back to the 2009 NBA Draft,” Colangelo said of the trade.

Johnson was the 16th pick of the first round in the 2009 NBA Draft. He was rarely used in Chicago, and needed a change of scenery, so Chicago shipped him for a first-round pick and the Bulls get a chance to try again in terms of drafting a wing player.

Johnson certainly is talented, and considering the lack of depth and skill at the small forward, he very well could get a starting role with the Raptors.

In a draft that appears to be below average, it was a smart move to get rid of the Miami pick considering it will probably be a bottom three pick anyway.

The Raptors have been able to give many players a chance this season because of injuries, lack of depth and sometimes even lack of talent. Sometimes the case is that the club has nothing to lose, so why not give the guy a shot.

That certainly will be the case with Johnson, and if he can blossom into a solid player, Colangelo will have made a good case to be re-signed this offseason.

Ironically, Johnson will make his debut against his old team, the Bulls, Wednesday night.

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