Aaron Craft to play on Utah Jazz Summer League team

Just when it seemed the Utah Jazz were going to come out of Day 1 of free agency empty-handed, an unexpected report surfaced that the Jazz had come to an agreement with veteran Joe Johnson who most recently played with the Miami Heat.

They got both in 35-year-old Joe Johnson, who agreed to a 2-year, $22-million deal with the Jazz Friday night, a story first reported by TNT’s David Aldridge. He was still able to average 12.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds last season.

There was some thought that the Heat could retain Johnson for a salary near the veteran minimum, but the seven-time All-Star clearly was a known commodity on the market due to his scoring punch when needed.

Johnson joined the Heat in March after he received a buyout from the Nets in the final season of a six-year, $126 million contract he initially signed with Atlanta during the 2010 offseason.

In all likelihood, the 6-foot-7, 240-pound small forward will be a rotation player off the bench for the up-and-coming Jazz. His large frame and quickness certainly allow him to do so effectively.

This was a nice move for General Manager Dennis Lindsey, as he adds a veteran leader to his nice nucleus of younger players. As such, he will significantly boost the Jazz’s depth and experience. Now, he’ll get another shot at taking his defensive talents to the National Basketball Association, as the Utah Jazz announced Craft will be playing for their Summer League squad.

As Craig Bolerjack would say, buckle up, Jazz fans.

It’s a good signing for Utah, who barely missed the postseason a year ago because of injuries to Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors.