Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reports:
The Raptors aren’t waiting around for Chris Bosh.
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While their highest-profile free agent meets with prospective suitors, the Raptors have locked up Amir Johnson on the first day of NBA free agency.
Teams are precluded from announcing any signings until July 8 but Johnson’s agent, the well-respected Bill Duffy, confirmed the signing.
Johnson, who broke out in an excellent 2009-10 season, has agreed to a five-year, $34 million contract.
“It was very important to him to get something done,” said Duffy. “He really wanted to be there, he loves the team, the city, the fans. It was a good fit.”
The 23-year-old Johnson, a 6-foot-9 power forward, averaged 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game with the Raptors last season. But it was his nightly effort and athleticism that endeared him to his coaches and teammates and led Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo to make signing him an off-season priority.
