The Toronto Raptors are one of a number of teams interested in adding recently waived Brooklyn Nets swingman Joe Johnson, according to a report from Marc Stein of ESPN.
Johnson’s best days are clearly behind him but he still remains a valuable asset for a team looking for one more offensive weapon. The seven-time all-star has a history of knocking down clutch shots, and presents matchup problems for opposing wings due to his size and strength.
For the season, the 34-year-old is averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds. He is in the final year of a six-year, $126-million contract he signed as a member of the Atlanta Hawks.
Johnson also brings a wealth of playoff experience having appeared in 87 postseason games over his 15-year career.
Should the Raptors land the veteran’s services, he would figure to slot into the starting lineup at small forward until DeMarre Carroll’s return from injury. Dwane Casey could then utilize Johnson as a bench scorer, or experiment with a small-ball lineup featuring Carroll at power forward.
