Keon Johnson’s name stood out on Thursday’s wave of roster churn, and not just because he was one of 11 players waived across the league. The 24-year-old guard is back on the market after a quick turn with the Atlanta Hawks, and there are a few places where his mix of athleticism, defensive activity and wing size could still fit.
Johnson’s path has already been a little bumpy. He was selected with the 21st overall pick by the New York Knicks in the 2021 NBA Draft, but he has yet to lock down a dependable rotation role. Even so, his stretch with the Brooklyn Nets last season showed enough to keep him in the conversation as a player who belongs somewhere on an NBA roster.
The Hawks had signed Johnson to an Exhibit 10 deal on Wednesday, only to waive him a day later. That kind of transaction is standard this time of year and could send him to the G League’s College Park Skyhawks, but Johnson would have every reason to keep pushing for an NBA opportunity instead.
Denver is one possible landing spot. The Nuggets are a top-heavy group, but they have room to keep filling out their camp and two-way mix with low-cost additions.
They’ve already been active with deals like the one for Cam Whitmore, and they’re also eyeing Ryan Nembhard once he clears waivers. Johnson could make sense in that same lane.
He would be entering a similar wing role to Whitmore, but Denver could be drawn to his motor and two-way upside. The athletic traits are obvious, and last season’s numbers with the Nets - 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game - show why he remains worth a look on a two-way contract.
Chicago is another team to keep in mind. The Bulls’ guard group looks fairly settled after adding Norman Powell and Dailyn Swain, but they’ve also been active in reshaping the edges of the roster. They recently brought former Lakers two-way player Peter Suder onto their training camp roster, and that move suggests they may still be hunting for the right developmental pieces.
Suder brings the profile of a shooter and disruptive defender, but Johnson offers his own version of that value with more burst. He also has the edge in experience, having already played four NBA seasons. Still, his shooting line from last year - 38.9% from the field and 31.4% from three - may not make Chicago eager to jump.
A return to Portland may be the cleanest path. The Trail Blazers waived guards Mark Sears and Barry Dunning on Thursday, and Dunning’s profile looks close enough to Johnson’s that a low-cost wing addition could be on their radar. Johnson also has history there, and it was productive enough to keep the door open.
In less than two seasons with the Blazers, he appeared in 62 games and made 12 starts, putting up 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.6 steals per contest while shooting 36.6% from the field and 34.7% from deep. He has since grown into a bigger offensive threat when given the chance, even if the efficiency still comes and goes. What has not gone away is the defensive disruption that helps keep him relevant.
Portland’s wing depth is thin right now with Shaedon Sharpe sidelined, so Johnson could be a useful two-way answer if the Blazers decide to circle back. It may not lead to an immediate standard roster spot, but he remains the kind of player who can keep his name in the mix.
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