Nets waive Keon Johnson before training camp in surprise move
Brooklyn trims backcourt as it reshapes roster ahead of season, with Johnson dealing with injury and production last season.
The Brooklyn Nets waived guard Keon Johnson on the eve of training camp in a surprise move that immediately reshapes the roster and backcourt depth.
Johnson, 23, was a regular for Brooklyn last season, starting 56 of 79 games and averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The Nets’ decision to part ways with him came as he had been dealing with an unspecified injury, a factor cited by The New York Post in reporting the move. Johnson also led Brooklyn in games played last season, a testament to his durability amid a challenging campaign for the club.
The move comes as Brooklyn faces roster questions heading into camp. The Nets were at 19 standard contracts before the release, well above the 15-contract limit that teams must meet at the start of the season. With the draft carrying momentum this offseason, Brooklyn selected three guards in the first round—Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf—opening further competition for minutes in the backcourt. The departure of Johnson tightens competition at guard spots and signals a push toward a younger, more versatile rotation.
A former Tennessee standout, Johnson was the 21st pick in the 2021 draft by the Knicks and was dealt to the Clippers in the trade that sent Quentin Grimes to New York. He later spent time with the Trail Blazers before joining the Nets for the 2023-24 season. Johnson emerged as a bright spot in a difficult year for Brooklyn, which finished with 26 wins—their fewest since the 2016-17 season—thanks in large part to his defense and motor, and he developed a rapport with first-year head coach Jordi Fernández.
But with Brooklyn loading up in the draft, there was less of an opportunity to secure a steady role for Johnson this season. The Nets are betting on a crop of young guards to grow into meaningful minutes, while veterans at other positions will be asked to provide steadiness and leadership as the rotation takes shape.
As camp opens, Brooklyn will continue trimming the roster, finalizing guard rotation questions, and integrating its new draft picks with the established pieces. The immediate focus is on establishing a depth chart that can sustain competitiveness in the early stages of the season while continuing a longer-term rebuild centered on youth, pace and defense.