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Rockets reach agreement with Nick Johnson on three-year deal. http://t.co/B5CiF4UydQ
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) July 23, 2014
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Former Arizona Wildcats guard Nick Johnson went as far as Hong Kong Tuesday en route to a fund-raising event in Manila, Philippines, before he learned the event was cancelled.
Chris Johnson, Nick’s older brother who played as a walk-on in 2013-14 for the Arizona Wildcats, also traveled with his brother. Nick Johnson’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, flew with them.
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The two-day event in Manila, which was to also include Johnson’s future Houston teammate James Harden of ASU and other NBA stars, was cancelled because the event was not sanctioned by the NBA.
The Last Home Stand Charity Event sponsored by Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippines’ national team that will compete in the FIBA World Cup in Spain in August, was to aid typhoon-ravaged regions of the country. The cancellation caused quite an uproar from Filipino fans, who will receive a refund upon request.
Nick Johnson posted this tweet on Monday before he realized the event in the Philippines would be cancelled.
Off to Manila now!
— Nick Johnson (@iRocket3) July 22, 2014
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According to MyFoxHouston.com, the traveling party with Nick Johnson was headed back to the United States after landing in Hong Kong.
Johnson, who had one of the most impressive summer league performances over the last two weeks, is expected to sign a three-year guaranteed contract with the Rockets.
The guaranteed contract, especially for three years, is significant. All first-round rookie contracts are guaranteed for two seasons, with an additional team option in years three and four of the deal. Johnson was a second-round pick, the 42nd selection overall.
The change in travel plans is beneficial for the Johnsons, not only because a contract is reportedly awaiting Nick. Reports out of the Philippines indicate another dangerous typhoon is striking that country.
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report and Lindy’s College Sports.
