Joe Johnson.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA -- Joe Johnson's agent says the four-time all-star is meeting with the Atlanta Hawks at the start of the free-agent negotiating period.

The Hawks are expected to do their best to keep Johnson, a free agent, by offering their top scorer a maximum contract in Thursday's early morning meeting in Los Angeles.

Johnson led the Hawks with an average of 21.3 points per game.

Johnson's agent, Arn Tellem, told The Associated Press on Wednesday night that Johnson has not been involved in any meetings with other free agents. Tellem says he won't discuss hypothetical situations, including a possible max offer from the Hawks. "We'll see what they're willing to do," Tellem says.

Free agents can talk with any team after 12:01 a.m. ET Thursday. No deal can be signed until July 8.