The landscape of the upcoming 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs just changed as the Miami Heat inked veteran forward Joe Johnson after his contract buyout with the Brooklyn Nets was completed. 

Johnson's nearly four-season stint with the Nets officially ended last Saturday when he cleared waivers, ESPN reported.

The arrival of the seven-time All-Star is huge since Miami is battling injuries to some of its key rotational players just a few months ahead of the postseason, which begins on April 16.

Johnson was one of the franchise stars in Brooklyn but his numbers are on a decline each season and with the team going nowhere near the playoffs, both sides decided to part ways.

In 57 games played and started this season for the Nets, the 34-year-old averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33.9 minutes of action per outing. 

Because of Johnson's experience in the NBA, it is likely that he gets the starting job at the small forward position for the Heat. 

This pushes another veteran, Luol Deng, to the backup role and rookie Justise Winslow as the third stringer at the position. 

The acquisition of Johnson was announced by Heat owner Micky Arison on Twitter, "Welcome to #HeatNation Joe @TheJoeJohnson7 Look forward to seeing u and your @MiamiHEAT teammates at MSG tomorrow."

Despite all the setbacks Miami is dealing with this season, it is still fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 32–26 record, sitting behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (41–16), Toronto Raptors (39–18), and the Boston Celtics (35–25). 

However, the Heat are currently on a two-game losing slide after defeats absorbed against the defending champions Golden State Warriors and the Celtics. 

The addition of Johnson is expected to spark new energy to the Heat that will improve the results they are having, a momentum booster, with the team going to the playoffs.