Toronto Raptors: Possible post trade deadline buyout candidates

Joe Johnson

What he provides

Even at his advanced age, Joe Johnson can still score the basketball. Nicknamed “Iso Joe”, Johnson has a knack for attacking the baskets in a multitude of ways, now using crafty and guile rather than athleticism.

Prior to this season, Johnson has been an elite shooter throughout his career.  This year he has fallen off to 27-percent, the lowest of his career, and more than 13-percent lower than the previous season. Any gamble on Johnson in free-agency is taken with the expectation his shooting returns to form.

How he fits in

At this point in his career, Johnson is at his best playing the power-forward position. If needed he can tread water at small-forward, particularly offensively, however that is not where he is best suited.

If acquired by the Raptors, Johnson could slide into a multitude of different roles. Johnson could slide into the power-forward position to play in bench units along a traditional center like Jakob Poeltl. With Johnson eating power-forward minutes, the Raptors also would have the option of playing Serge Ibaka or Pascal Siakam alongside Johnson in “small ball” units. If Coach Casey decides to really experiment the Raptors could even try super large lineups with Johnson at the three.

Path to acquiring him

It has already been reported that Johnson will be bought-out. Unfortunately for the Raptors, he it appears he will be pursued by multiple teams. The Warriors, Celtics, Rockets, and Thunder have all been rumored to have interest in the 17 year veteran. The path will be difficult but Johnson could provide a huge boost to an already loaded Raptors bench.