-Not sure why the Bulls gave up on Johnson so quickly. The money factor makes it even more confusing if they don't trade the pick they got. Grant it, it is only one game, but the guy played great D on Deng and was going to the glass hard every chance he got. Easy to see why he is so foul prone with the aggressive D. I'm sure he put in a lot of extra effort tonight being his first game with a new team and it being against his old team. Looks a little on the pudgy side and the announcer said that he had dropped 30 pounds. This summer? Since college? Anyone?
He lost a lot of weight this summer. He looked shockingly skinny during summer league but has gained some of it back. He always plays with a high level of energy. (Well, besides when he was put in during the last few minutes of blowouts). He didn't seem to be much different tonight that way. Obviously he wanted to make a good impression with Toronto and play well against the Bulls but he's not a player that you'll see loafing.
His problems on defense stemmed from poor team defense more than one-on-one -- although he can be foul prone either way. He will make spectacular blocks on occassion.
Thibs had no room for him in the rotation and told him that before the season started. He prefers Brewer's defense and Korver's offense at the backup 3. Saving money, freeing up cap space and getting a pick back are all better than having Johnson waste away on the bench.
I'm not sure what you mean by a "money factor".