Hawks Johnson won't sign extension

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By Sekou Smith

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson said he will not sign a contract extension with the Hawks and will play out the final year of his contract this season.

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Hawks Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Mike Bibby joke around at Media Day 2009. But Johnson (left) won't sign an extension with Atlanta.

Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com Hawks Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Mike Bibby joke around at Media Day 2009. But Johnson (left) won't sign an extension with Atlanta.

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Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Hawks extended a four-year, $60-plus million contract offer to Johnson this summer. But Johnson said he decided not to sign the extension after mulling it over during the offseason.

By not signing Johnson will enter a deep free agent crop next summer headlined by reigning MVP LeBron James as well as fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"My sole focus right now is on this team and what we're trying to accomplish this season," Johnson said. "I have some goals set for this season for my team and I have some individual goals set for myself as well. I really feel like this team is ready to take that step to the next level. I also feel like I can be one of the elite players in this league, I feel like I'm right there, so it's going to be an exciting year."

Johnson is in the fifth and final year of a $70 million deal he signed with Phoenix before being traded to the Hawks in a sign-and-trade deal in August 2005.

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