The Summer of 2010 is approaching, and for fans in Cleveland, Miami, and Toronto, the anticipation of their franchise star potentially leaving has been nerve-wrecking. However, there is one player on one franchise that could quietly shift the entire market this summer, and the balance of power in the league.
The best player you never hear about is Joe Johnson. The Hawks All-Star guard is having another stellar season, averaging 21 points and 4 assists, and spearheading Atlanta to the second best record in the East. Johnson is the focal point of a young team that is one the rise, though their future could change drastically. Johnson was offered a four year contract last summer from Atlanta, reportedly worth $15 million per season. He turned it down, in hopes of landing a jackpot max deal this summer. While that gamble raised some eyebrows, Johnson may have the last laugh. Most feel the Bulls, and not the Knicks, will be the big winners in the 2010 free agent sweepstakes, as they have the trade pieces to land a big man before the trade deadline during the season, and then potentially a player of the caliber of Johnson this summer. Imagine what Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johsnon could do together? Two former Suns putting the Bulls in title contention, playing alongside Derrick Rose?
The Hawks brass still believe they can, and will be able to re-sign Johnson this summer. Whether or not they offer him the max deal he is looking for, is another question.
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