If the Celtics are unable to re-sign Paul Pierce, it is rumored that they would then make a big push to land Joe Johnson. Hopefully, they can re-sign Paul Pierce, because according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Johnson is close to agreeing to a maximum contract deal that would keep him in Atlanta for another six years.
The Atlanta Hawks offered Joe Johnson a six-year, $119 million contract Thursday morning, and sources close to the All-Star guard expect him to accept the max deal soon.
The Hawks moved quickly at midnight ET to try to secure their franchise star and offered the contract that Johnson's agent Arn Tellem sought from the organization. Sources say ownership OK'd the max offer and general manager Rick Sund delivered it in Los Angeles.
If Johnson does accept the deal that is one less option for the Celtics. Danny Ainge might have to figure out a new backup plan.