STAYING PUT-2

According to ESPN.com news services, Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks has come to terms on a new six-year contract deal worth $119 million. The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls were among the teams that went after the services of Johnson during the past few days. Johnson was actually a fall-back option for the Knicks in case their talks with LeBron James fizzle out. Johnson averaged 21.3 ppg last season for the Hawks.

Arn Tellem, Johnson's agent, spoke in behalf of the sharp-shooting Hawk.
 
"When the free agency period kicked in, Joe made a point of talking to the Hawks first. Their owners and new coach, Larry Drew, impressed Joe with their commitment to making the team championship-caliber. In turn, Joe felt equally committed to the Hawks, his teammates and the city of Atlanta.

For his next act, Joe plans to actively recruit other top free agents to Atlanta, a place not unlike his hometown, where he feels comfortable and appreciated. LeBron, you've already met with the front offices of six teams. How about considering the Hawks?"