Kings Buyout Joe Johnson, Signs With Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets didn’t make a trade at the deadline but have really loaded up since. Brandan Wright was the first to join the Rockets for their upcoming playoff run. Now, Houston will add another veteran that hopefully takes them over the top against the Warriors. After getting bought out by the Sacramento Kings, Joe Johnson now plans to sign with the Rockets.

Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports was the first to report the news:

Sources: Joe Johnson plans to sign with Houston on contract for remainder of the season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2018

Johnson started the season with the Jazz but was dealt at the deadline to Sacramento in a wild four-team deal. Jae Crowder is now on his way to Utah but Johnson was the odd man out. Johnson is a 16-year veteran who is at the end of the road but could help the Rockets in a bench role. Johnson is a 7-time All-Star with the Hawks and Nets most notably. There was really no chance that Johnson was going to settle for playing for the Kings to finish out the remainder of the season. Vince Carter may also be on his way out as well.

The Celtics and Warriors were also rumored to be in on Johnson. Both teams could have used Johnson but he opted for Houston who are right on the heels of the defending champion Golden State Warriors. Johnson, 36, provides another wing player that the Rockets can use off the bench. Johnson figures to slide in right behind Trevor Ariza in the rotation. Johnson played three prior seasons with Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni in Phoenix that may have convinced him to sign with Houston.

In 32 games with the Jazz this year, Johnson averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest. Johnson will now join his 7th different team. He has played for multiple teams that include Boston, Phoenix, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Miami, and Utah.