Chris Johnson appears to have earned another week and a half with the Boston Celtics.
Just as his 10-day contract expired, Johnson tweeted Monday that he was headed to New York. Since that is where the Celtics play Tuesday against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, it’s safe to say Johnson is at least close to re-signing with the team.
Johnson inked a 10-day contract with the Celtics on Jan. 17, two days after team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge shipped Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks to the Golden State Warriors. That trade created an opening in Boston’s backcourt, which became a prominent role when Avery Bradley sprained his ankle.
In four games as a Celtic, Johnson has averaged 10.0 points per game, the sixth-highest scoring average on the team, if he had played enough games to qualify for the list. He said following Sunday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets that he wanted to stay with the Celtics, but that he understood the decision was not his to make.
“I learned a lot from the coaching staff and the players over the last 10 days,” Johnson said. “I have a feel for what the guys like to do. Coach [Brad Stevens] tries to emphasize to me being hungry, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
If Johnson is re-signed, this is the last 10-day contract the Celtics can offer him. They would next have to offer him a contract through the end of the season or release him. If the Celtics wait until Tuesday to officially announce the signing, Johnson’s second 10 days would expire Feb. 6.
