Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson will sign an offer sheet with the Brooklyn Nets, according to a report by ESPN.
The offer sheet is for $50 million over four years and it will be difficult for Miami to match the deal. When the offer becomes official on July 7th, Miami will have three days to match it at that time.
The Nets configured the contract with an infamous "poison pill" that complicates matters for the Heat. In the third and fourth year of the deal, Miami would face cap hits of $18.9 million and $19.6 million respectively. While the contract would be affordable to Miami in the first two seasons, the back-half could make it an impossible signing.
Johnson provided Miami with useful depth last season, but it is tough to justify this large of a committment to the guard. In Brooklyn, Johnson could be a starter and part of a new back-court with Jeremy Lin. With the Heat, Johnson would likely have to settle for a reserve role.
Part of the decision-making process for the Heat could come down to the status of Kevin Durant. If the All-Star signs elsewhere, Miami may be able to find the necessary funds to retain Johnson. The Heat still need to try and sign Dwyane Wade and fill out the remainder of their roster as well.
Should Johnson leave the Heat, it is likely that Josh Richardson would see a bigger role next season with the team. Richardson had a great rookie season and showed some promise for the future.
