Complete List of NBA Teams Joe Johnson Played For
Joe Johnson played for the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and Sacramento Kings during his NBA career. He was selected 10th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics and was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of the trade that sent Stephon Marbury to Phoenix. His career spanned from 2001 to 2017, and he appeared in 1,279 regular-season games, averaging 16.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game according to Basketball Reference.
Johnson became one of the most consistent scorers of his era, earning seven All-Star selections between 2007 and 2014. He was a key part of the Atlanta Hawks' 2008 Eastern Conference Finals run and later served as a veteran leader for the Brooklyn Nets during their 2013 and 2014 playoff appearances. His ability to stretch the floor and hit clutch shots made him a reliable option across multiple offensive systems.
Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns Stint
Johnson began his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns after being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2001. He played two seasons in Phoenix under coach Mike D'Antoni, forming a dynamic backcourt with Steve Nash and Shawn Marion. During his time with the Suns, Johnson averaged 10.5 points per game and helped the team reach the 2003 NBA Finals.
The Suns traded Johnson to the Atlanta Hawks in 2005 as part of a package that brought Joe Johnson to Phoenix in exchange for Boris Diaw and two first-round picks. This trade is often cited as a turning point for both franchises, with Diaw later winning the NBA Most Improved Player award and Johnson becoming an All-Star in Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks Peak Years
Johnson spent the longest stretch of his career with the Atlanta Hawks from 2005 to 2012. He averaged 21.7 points per game during his peak Hawks seasons and led the team to a franchise-best 60 wins in the 2014-15 season after re-signing. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2010 and earned Eastern Conference All-Star nods in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
During his Hawks tenure, Johnson signed a six-year, $119 million contract extension in 2010, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league at the time. He led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008 and 2011, where they faced the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat respectively. His scoring and leadership were central to Atlanta's rise as a perennial playoff contender during that era.
Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Final NBA Teams
Johnson was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in July 2012 as part of the three-team deal that brought Gerald Wallace to the Hawks. He played three seasons with the Nets, averaging 16.3 points per game and helping the team reach the 2013 and 2014 NBA Playoffs. He signed with the Miami Heat in 2016 as a veteran addition to a roster featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
After a brief stint with the Miami Heat, Johnson was traded to the Utah Jazz in February 2017 and finished the season with the Sacramento Kings. He retired after the 2016-17 season with career totals of 16,192 points, 5,