Post#133 » by geeman » Mon Jun 28, 2010 2:23 pm
The Rockets are considering chasing Joe Johnson, too, at least in part to give Bosh a suitable playmate. Johnson might be ready to move after his disappointing playoff series with the Hawks in which he was critical of the fans and eventually booed at home. But there are few doubts about his abilities. He's not Wade or James, but he is in the next group. Houston Chronicle
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Ken Berger: Joe Johnson's camp tells me no visits have been scheduled, despite reports to contrary. Denials from Bosh camp, too, re: Chicago decision. Twitter
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But if no players on the Knicks' roster appeal to Atlanta, Johnson, believing he will make up the difference through endorsements and through buying stock shares in Madison Square Garden, is willing to take less money to play with the Knicks, according to sources. ESPN.com
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Having said that, Hawks free agent Joe Johnson is expecting a hard sell from the Knicks in the event LeBron opts to go elsewhere. Johnson has set up shop in Los Angeles with his agent, Arn Tellem, who has an excellent relationship with Walsh. As of early Monday, Johnson had yet to schedule any free-agent visits – in L.A. or elsewhere. CBSSports.com
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One person with ties to Johnson suggested a possible reason why he is 1) in L.A., and 2) in no hurry to entertain visitors. Don’t be surprised if his strong connection to Clippers GM Neil Olshey explains why Johnson is conveniently ensconced in L.A. for the purposes of signing a max deal with the Clips. As a trainer for Tellem when Johnson was entering the draft, Olshey worked with Johnson and has maintained a strong relationship with him. CBSSports.com
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Meanwhile, the Knicks are finalizing plans to meet with Joe Johnson on Wednesday in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. Pacific time, which is when free-agency courting begins, and possibly meet with Amar'e Stoudemire before flying to Ohio for Thursday's 1 p.m. James soiree. A Knicks official confirmed the James meeting but would not say if the Johnson/Stoudemire extravaganza is definite yet or if Dolan would partake in other meetings. New York Post
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Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford says he expects teammate and fellow All Star Joe Johnson to re-sign with the team when free agency opens July 1. "I haven't talked to him about that, but I think he'll stay," Horford said Monday in Singapore, where he's part of a group of NBA players and coaches conducting a basketball clinic. "The team's number one priority is trying to get Joe back with us." USA Today
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