Joe Johnson is a retired American professional basketball player with an estimated net worth of $90 million.
Known for his smooth scoring ability and clutch performances, Johnson enjoyed a highly successful NBA career spanning nearly two decades.
Over the course of his time in the league, Johnson played for several notable franchises, including the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz.
He also briefly signed contracts with the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, and returned to the Celtics in 2021 for a historic final appearance.
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Early Life and College Career
Born on June 29, 1981, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Joe was raised by his single mother, Diane, who worked as a psychiatric nurse.
He attended Little Rock Central High School, where he stood out on the basketball team. Johnson went on to play two seasons at the University of Arkansas, where he quickly became one of the most dominant players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
He averaged 16 points per game as a freshman and led his team to a tournament victory during his sophomore year, earning SEC All-Tournament team honors both seasons.
NBA Career and Earnings
Johnson entered the 2001 NBA Draft and was selected by the Boston Celtics. He played part of one season with Boston before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he developed into a reliable scorer and standout three-point shooter.
He later joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2005, signing a five-year, $67 million deal. During his time with the Hawks, he became the face of the franchise and earned multiple NBA All-Star selections, consistently averaging over 20 points per game.
In 2010, Johnson signed a lucrative six-year, $123 million contract with Atlanta—one of the largest in NBA history at the time.
By the end of his NBA tenure, Johnson had earned $220 million in salary alone, with career earnings totaling $129.1 million from recorded contracts.
He later played for the Brooklyn Nets, where he hit several buzzer-beaters and reached career milestones like 18,000 points and 1,600 three-pointers.
After being waived by the Nets in 2016, he joined the Miami Heat, helping them reach the playoffs. He then signed with the Utah Jazz, leading them to a playoff series win in 2017—Utah’s first in seven years.
Following brief stints with other teams, Johnson made a sentimental return to the Boston Celtics in 2021, marking the longest gap between two appearances with the same NBA franchise in league history.
Other Basketball Endeavors
Outside the NBA, Joe Johnson showcased his skills in the BIG3 league, where he became one of the most dominant players.
He won the league MVP in 2019 and 2021 and led the Triplets to a championship. He also participated in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) in 2020 and was part of the Overseas Elite, helping them reach the semifinals.
On the international stage, Johnson represented Team USA at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, winning a bronze medal. He also rejoined the national team for the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers.
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Legacy and Impact
Joe Johnson is widely respected for his longevity, versatility, and professionalism. Nicknamed “Iso Joe” for his elite one-on-one skills, Johnson built a legacy as one of the most skilled scorers and clutch performers of his era.
He remains one of only a few players in NBA history with over 18,000 career points and 1,600 made three-pointers, and he ranks among the top earners in NBA salary history.
His post-NBA accomplishments and continued love for the game solidify his place as a basketball icon.