Ivan Johnson Seriously Considering Leaving NBA For Overseas Club

[RealGM Wiretap]

Interest in Ivan Johnson hasn’t elevated as he had expected, and now the free agent forward is seriously considering leaving the NBA for lucrative offers from Chinese and Italian teams, his agent Jeremiah Haylett told RealGM.

Four NBA teams have remained in discussions with Johnson, but no organization has stepped up in negotiations the way his representatives have wanted, leaving them believing the 29-year-old sign could ultimately sign overseas. One of the most productive big men left on the market, Johnson has sought offers higher than the veteran’s minimum – despite a free agency process that has slowed considerably.

“It is very legitimate Ivan could end up overseas this season,” Haylett said Friday. “It’s the best possibility right now. It wouldn’t be a multi-year deal, though, because he would like to get back into the NBA.”

At 6-foot-8, Johnson established himself as a consistent force of activity, rebounding and aggressiveness for the Hawks over the past two seasons, averaging 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 125 games. Before entering the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks in 2011, Johnson played in the D-League and abroad in South Korea, Puerto Rico and China.

The Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz are among the teams that have shown interest in Johnson, a league source said, but neither team has elevated their proposals.

Johnson bounced around collegiately, finishing at Cal State San Bernardino in 2007.

Via Shams Charania/RealGM

[RoyalMajesty]

Goodbye

[MaseInYourFace]

It'd be a shame if he leaves. He can play. He's in the wrong era though. He would have fit in perfectly in the 90's.

[MKG35]

There must be some team that can pay him 3 million a year, he's a good hustle player who does work.

[SteveNizzy]

this guys got some issues to deal with, but he is not a bad player, give him 25 mins a game n hes a double double guy

[TdotRap4Lyfe]

I hope he enjoys the Euro and Chinese markets.

[watpho71]

The penalties are too severe for teams around the luxury tax threshold and organizations would rather pay minimum contracts to less talented players. If he can go overseas and dominate, perhaps there is a 3 year and
7.5 million dollar contract for him at the 2014-15 NBA season.

[MalcolmXing]

This sucks..

[pssshhhrrr87]

Gonna miss ole 9-to-5 in Atlanta. Great hustle player with grit and a decent mid-range shot. Hit his FT's too which was nice to see in Atlanta...

[dan2314]

id love him to play some minutes in detroit. reminds me of maxiell. but hopefully better. if he can play a few spot minutes at center aswell as being a backup PF then id definitely like him to come in and beat guys up for us.

[holla3mikeg]

He looks like an overgrown Deshawn Stevenson.

[coolclyde]

man, Knicks could seriously use a backup center like Ivan "Big" Johnson. why not be a star in the greatest city in the world, play in the world's greatest arena, enjoy the finest women and food in the world, and be treated like a king by millions? yet he'd rather go to China or somewhere overseas where hardly anyone speaks english, and he'll stick out like a sore thumb, just to make some extra buck? yet, for his agents, the bottom line is how much THEY WILL MAKE. look at Beno Udrich, he gave up more money to play for the Knicks because he believes in the team this year. Ivan should make that one-year commitment to be a key cog in the NYK wheel of defensity and awesomeness. he won't regret it, but maybe his agent will... come to NEW YORK CITY Mr Johnson!