Keon Johnson’s time in Brooklyn was a story of steady ascent that seemed destined for a longer arc. After joining the Nets late in 2023, the 6-foot-5 guard blossomed into one of the most reliable contributors on a rebuilding team.

Johnson started 56 games last season, averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest, all career highs. Notably, he was the Nets’ leader in steals and second in minutes played—a testament to his energy and defensive effectiveness.

Despite occasional shooting struggles, Johnson’s athleticism and tenacity helped stabilize a backcourt disrupted by injuries and roster changes. The former first-round pick from Tennessee also reached career peaks, putting up 25 points in standout games, and provided a spark during some of Brooklyn’s most competitive stretches. 

Roster Crunch Sparks a Difficult Decision

While Johnson’s progress impressed coaches and fans alike, Brooklyn’s relentless push for talent acquisition ultimately left him squeezed out. This offseason, the Nets added five first-round rookies and traded for Kobe Bufkin, intensifying competition in the guard rotation.

The team now has 15 guaranteed contracts, and league rules forced tough decisions to trim the roster before opening night. Johnson’s contract—worth $2.34 million but only partially guaranteed—made him a prime candidate for waivers.

The move was not entirely performance-based, but rather a consequence of a crowded backcourt in a franchise eager to balance rebuilding with cap flexibility. Johnson’s release means he will either be claimed off waivers or enter unrestricted free agency, searching for his fourth NBA team at just age 23. 

Strategic Implications for the Nets

The waiver of Johnson underlines Brooklyn’s determination to field a younger, more versatile lineup, even at the expense of dependable veterans. With Cam Thomas and new arrivals like Bufkin and Egor Demin, the Nets prioritize upside and development over continuity.

Johnson, who excelled as a point-of-attack defender, will be remembered for helping stabilize the Nets through a tumultuous period. His departure now opens opportunities for rookies but raises questions about experience and leadership as Brooklyn enters training camp with 20 players battling for 15 roster spots.

For Johnson, a promising career year offers hope for a quick landing elsewhere, while for the Nets, it signals a willingness to make hard choices on the path to rebuilding.