Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has taken on a new job as an unofficial recruiter for the Miami Heat this summer.
Johnson, a Miami native, tweeted Monday that he's working as an "outside representative" to try to bring the Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal to the Heat.
Update: I’ve been working diligently as an outside representative for the Miami Heat in this recruiting process, due to my minimal basketball background I’m relying on personal friendships to persuade @russwest44 & @RealDealBeal23 to come home.
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) July 8, 2019
After dealing Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers over the weekend, the Thunder have reportedly discussed the possibility of trading Westbrook, who's under contract with the team through the 2022-23 season. There's been no word on whether the Wizards are interested in parting ways with Beal, though.
The "personal friendships" Johnson mentioned in his tweet could include new Heat member Jimmy Butler. The pair sparked speculation that Butler was headed to Miami after this exchange on Twitter late last month:
ASAP after I get a contract done.. you’ll be the first I call. I want the footrace first tho. Slow ass. https://t.co/kdSlQTpBaI
— Jimmy Butler (@JimmyButler) June 30, 2019
Johnson is also friendly with Dwyane Wade, and pitched him on returning to the Heat in 2017.
