Basketball: Wildcats release import Johnson

Jaron Johnson of the Wildcats controls the ball against the Breakers. Photo / Getty Images

Perth import Jaron Johnson has been released three games into the NBL club's season.

The Wildcats have described Johnson's release as a strategic move to balance their roster.

"While Jaron is a very good player, we don't believe he is the right piece of the puzzle for this team," head coach Trevor Gleeson said in a statement.

Johnson scored a game-high 26 points against Cairns a week ago.

He dropped a three-pointer to tie the game with just 0.80 seconds remaining before the Wildcats claimed victory in over-time.

But other outings for the American guard have been less successful.

He managed five points in the narrow win over New Zealand and six against Brisbane.

The 203cm 24-year-old was recruited after spending the previous two seasons in the NBA Development League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, who are a feeder team for the Houston Rockets.