Heat former $50 million rising star makes retirement decision for next basketball announcement

The Miami Heat once handed $50 million to a former undrafted free agent that no one believed in.

After an eight-year career in the NBA, that contract recipient is moving on to the next part of his basketball journey.

That's Tyler Johnson, the standout lefty guard. He was announced earlier this week as a new assistant coach for the Fresno State men's basketball team (which he played for as a collegiate athlete).

Johnson didn't officially announce a retirement from pro basketball, but this is clearly his next step in hoops.

He last played in the NBA in 2021-22 with the Spurs and 76ers, and has since played ball overseas.

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Johnson spent five seasons with the Heat.

In 2017, to help earn his contract extension, Johnson put up 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game while knocking down 37.2 percent of his 3-pointers.

Johnson's NBA career included stints with Miami, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Philadelphia and San Antonio.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to come back to the Valley," Johnson said in a statement about his Fresno State return. "I am looking forward to being a part of the transformation of this program."

It should be inspiring for Fresno State's players to see one of their own who made it big in the league. Maybe Johnson will help propel the next such success story.

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