Keon Johnson, Nets agree to two-year deal, reports say
Keon Johnson of the Nets dunks the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center on Dec. 27, 2023. Credit: Getty Images/Dustin Satloff
Keon Johnson said this week that he believed he did enough with the Nets in Summer League to show he could earn a roster spot. On Saturday, Johnson got his wish.
The Nets reportedly signed him to a two-year deal according to The Athletic. HoopsHype also reported that the first year is partially guaranteed and the second is a team option.
It's a reward for Johnson's strong play in Las Vegas where he's second on the Nets in scoring (16.3 points), first in assists (5.8), and third with 4.8 rebounds. Johnson, who the Nets signed to a two-way deal last season, had a double-double in the Nets' win over the Magic Thursday with 12 points and 10 assists.
The 6-4 guard also made a name on defense with three blocks in the Nets’ Summer League opening win over the Pacers. He added four steals in a loss to the Clippers.
With Johnson signed, the Nets have filled all 15 roster spots. They’re also closer to the luxury tax as they were $4.3 million below it after Friday's trade for Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams from the Grizzlies.
After being a repeat tax offender in 2023-24, the Nets want to stay below the tax and avoid repeater tax penalties this season. Johnson’s team option in 2025-26 also keeps the Nets flexible for the 2025 offseason where they could have between $70-80 million in cap space.
Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
