Johnson considered signing with Jazz last season

Joe Johnson may have landed a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz this summer, but it wasn't the first time the 35-year-old veteran considered signing in Salt Lake City.

Intrigued by their talented young core, Johnson says he nearly considered signing with the Jazz back in February after accepting a buyout from the Brooklyn Nets.

"They were always one of the teams right there in the forefront, in terms of trying to get me," Johnson told Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune. "The Jazz were right on the cusp and flirting with success at the time. But for me, I thought Miami was the best situation."

Johnson would go on to sign with the Miami Heat instead, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 24 games. Despite his strong play, "Iso Joe" failed to receive an offer from the Heat when free agency began, making his decision to sign in Utah that much easier.

"I think we all saw where the organization was headed," Johnson said. "Nobody over 30 was going to be coming back."

The 6-foot-7 swingman's play on the offensive end has played a big part in Utah's impressive start to the season, as the Jazz now sit fourth in the West following Saturday's victory over Johnson's old squad.