Toronto Raptors: Is a reunion with Amir Johnson realistic?
By Paul Taylor
Despite the Sporting News reporting a reciprocated interest in Amir Johnson, is such a move a good idea for the Toronto Raptors?
Despite calls for a total revamp, Masai Ujiri has already admitted the plan is for the Toronto Raptors to keep the majority of their roster together for next season. This will include attempting to persuade Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka to sign new deals to remain in Southern Ontario.
However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be some changes to a team which was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of this season’s playoffs. The assumption is Patrick Patterson won’t be back, while speculation — and large salaries — indicate the Raptors will look to trade DeMarre Carroll and/or Jonas Valanciunas.
With all this in mind, who can we expect Ujiri and company to turn to, as they look to reset the team for another challenge? Well, if the latest news is to be believed, one option will see the Raptors return to the past for help.
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As reported by Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, there is apparently a mutual interest between the Raptors and Amir Johnson. Deveney goes on to write that there is virtually no chance of Johnson being re-signed by the Boston Celtics, thus opening the door for a potential reunion in Toronto.
The question is, how realistic is such a reunion and is it even something the Raptors should be considering? The answer in part comes down to the team’s salary cap situation.
According to hoopshype.com, the Raptors already have $77.3 million committed to the payroll for next season. And this is even before they attempt to re-sign Lowry and Ibaka.
Now we know money is not a problem for the Raptors’ owners so, in theory at least, there will be no issue with going into luxury tax territory. Still, as with any reputable business, they will still look to save money somehow, which is where a player like Johnson comes in.
Even though the 2005 second round draft pick earned $12 million in 2016/17, he figures to be an affordable option, due to a drop in his production in recent seasons. Despite starting 77 regular season games for the Celtics, his playing time decreased significantly once the playoffs began.
Of course, this is not an issue for the Raptors, who would mostly use Johnson off the bench anyway. And let’s not forget his work ethic and leadership, two invaluable resources to have on any team.
Overall, this is not just a sentimental proposition for someone beloved by both Raptors players and the fans. This is a tangible option which could be in the best interests of both Johnson and his former team.
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Notes:
- Johnson is second all-time in Raptors history for both blocks and offensive rebounds.
- He also played in 451 games, the fifth-most in team history.
- Johnson has career averages of 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds during his 13-year career.
- These figures increased to 8.8 and 6.3 respectively, during his six seasons in Toronto.
Next: Serge Ibaka set to re-sign with the Raptors?
What’s your take on the reported mutual interest between the Raptors and Johnson? Would you re-sign him or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.