The newly acquired seven-time All-Star forward Joe Johnson of the Eastern Conference Southeast Division leading team Miami Heat on Tuesday said that he wants to finish his playing career with the Micky Arison-owned basketball organization.

The former Brooklyn Nets starter revealed that his family has moved with him in Miami, and that he has had discussions with the Heat's President Pat Riley about him finishing his career in Miami. This is apparently one of Johnson's reasons why he choose Miami over other teams that showed interest in his services.

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"The most important thing that Pat told me was that this wasn't just a short-term deal, that he would like for me to finish my career here," Johnson said. "And that's what we're working toward."

Johnson played his debut game in the Heat's 98-81 win against the New York Knicks last Sunday, where he scored 12 points in 30.08 minutes of playing.

The 14-year NBA veteran joined the Heat recently after clearing waivers. Johnson negotiated a buyout on his contract with the Brooklyn Nets, agreeing to give up $3 million in salary to secure his release.

The 34-year-old 2001 NBA draft 10^th overall pick chose Miami over Cleveland and other teams in part "because of his previous relationships with fellow veterans such as Dwyane Wade and Amare Stoudemire", according to the official website of the NBA.

Johnson, a product of the University of Arkansas, started in a total of 57 games with the Brooklyn Nets this season. He is currently averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 boards in 33.9 minutes a game. The veteran forward is shooting 40.6 percent from the field, 85.2 percent accurate from the free-throw line and 37.1 percent from beyond the arc region.

Johnson said he is on a year-to-year basis at this point in his career, but is not planning on this being his finale. 

TagsJoe Johnson, Miami Heat, NBA