Veteran forward Joe Johnson joined the Utah Jazz last summer after signing a two-year deal with the team.
But even if he's only starting his stint with the team, Johnson revealed that he already considered bring his talents to Salt Lake City as early as February this year after he got a buy-out from the Brooklyn Nets.
Even with mutual interest, things did not materialize for both parties during that time, and Johnson signed with the Miami Heat as he believed it was the best situation for him at that time. But after he did not receive an extension offer from the Heat, it made his decision easier in choosing the Jazz as they have maintained their desire to have him part of their roster.
The 35-year-old Arkansas product discussed his choice and also shed light on why he thinks he was never offered an extension by his previous team.
“They were always one of the teams right there in the forefront, in terms of trying to get me. The Jazz were right on the cusp and flirting with success at the time. But for me, I thought Miami was the best situation.”
“I think we all saw where the organization was headed. Nobody over 30 was going to be coming back.”
His decision now appears to make a lot of sense as he has been a huge part of Utah's success so far this season. Johnson's contributions to his team has helped them reach their current record of 7-4.
