JordansBulls wrote:Wasn't he the first one to even sign with anyone? Did they have him a max before they did for Amare?
I'm not exactly certain. Lebron James was obviously the first option, that failed, so they pursue Joe Johnson and Amar'e. I think the two of them made up plan B. I believe the Knicks offered Amar'e is contract on day one of free agency. They probably discussed with agents that Lebron was option #1, Joe Johnson and Amar'e are the other plan, and max contracts will be offered accordingly.
During the season it was clear New York would pursue Joe Johnson. Jamal Crawford apparently told him the negatives and positives about New York, but it came down to money as unusual, and Atlanta had the most on the table. At the end of the day, Joe Johnson also wanted to stay with Atlanta, and he requested a no trade clause, but failed to have enough seasons with the team for them to offer him one.
I only remember Chicago being linked to Joe Johnson by the media. The media always links the big markets to free agents just because.
Besides, New York, I remember Dallas contacting the Hawks about working a S&T for Joe Johnson.