After drafting four ball handlers in June, the Nets further crowded their backcourt by trading for Kobe Bufkin on Tuesday. Those moves led to Wednesday’s decision to waive veteran guard Keon Johnson.
Johnson carved out a role in Brooklyn last season, starting 56 games and averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists over 79 appearances.
Signed on July 21, 2024, Johnson became one of the team’s more reliable point-of-attack defenders while steadily rounding out his offensive game. The 6-5 guard twice matched his career high in scoring last season, posting 25 points in losses to the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 27 and the Washington Wizards on Feb. 5. He led the Nets in total steals last season (82), ranked second in minutes (1,925) and third in assists (175).
Johnson was on a $2.35 million contract, but only $271,614 was guaranteed. That number would have jumped to $760,520 with an opening-night roster spot. The Nets will absorb his guaranteed salary but remain under the salary cap.
The 23-year-old was facing a steep cut in minutes with Cam Thomas back on a qualifying offer, five first-round rookies joining Brooklyn’s roster and with the team adding Bufkin in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks this week. He now becomes an unrestricted free agent, unless claimed on waivers, searching for his fourth NBA team.
After waiving Johnson, Brooklyn’s training camp roster now stands at 20 players.
A Shelbyville, Tenn., native, Johnson was selected 21st overall in the 2021 draft by the Knicks before his rights were dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers. He played one season at Tennessee in 2020-21, earning SEC All-Freshman honors.
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