2023 NBA draft pick Keyontae Johnson has found a new home.
Johnson, who played for Oklahoma City last season, has agreed to a deal with the Charlotte Hornets, according to his agency, Priority Sports. While the Hornets have a spot on the 15-man roster, Johnson’s contract is expected to be a two-way or training camp deal.
OKC selected Johnson with the No. 50 pick in 2023 out of Kansas State. The 6-5 wing signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Thunder, though he spent most of last season with the G-League Oklahoma City Thunder Blue. He became a restricted free agent on July 1, though the Thunder renounced the 24-year-ol24-year-old’s July 6.
Former Kansas State Star Lands With Charlotte Hornets
Johnson started his rookie season strong with the Blue, showing off the two-way ability and athleticism that got him drafted during the G-League Showcase. Johnson finished with 19.7 points, 1.5 3-pointers, 6.1 rebounds (1.5 offensive), and 2.51 assists over 38 appearances for the Blue. He produced three double-doubles, 1.05 steals, and 0.55 blocks a game while posting shooting splits of 53.1%/40.4%/80%.
Johnson played little in his nine appearances with the Thunder, averaging fewer than eight minutes per game. Johnson struggled during summer league action due to his inefficiency. He averaged 9.3 points on 8.8 field goal attempts, including going 0 of 8 from beyond the arc. While he rebounded the ball well, he totaled 3.2 assists and 2.7 turnovers. Ball handling has been his biggest bugaboo throughout his young career.
Johnson is a very talented two-way player who plays hard. He is a good story as he overcame a heart issue, which caused him to collapse during a December 2020 game while playing a Florida and spent a few days in a medically induced coma. As a result, Johnson missed 15 months of action.
Johnson transferred to Kansas State in August 2022. He immediately impacted KSU and produced his best college season, helping the Wildcats to the Elite 8. The 2023 All-Big 12 Newcomer of the Year was named NABC and AP All-American third team.
“It just goes to show the belief in myself and just working hard to prove myself that has gotten me to this point,” Johnson told Yahoo Sports before the NCAA Tournament. “Everything happens for a reason and it’s all on God’s timing. I love this game and will never take it for granted.”
What Does Signing Johnson Mean For The Hornets?
Charlotte has been among the worst franchises in the NBA over the last eight years. The Hornets have the longest current playoff drought and a winning percentage of .430, the fifth-worst since the start of the 2016 season. The Hornets are not expected to compete once again as they go through another rebuild.
Charlotte is 48-116 over the last two years, which includes winning 21 games in 2023-24 (the third-fewest in the league). The Hornets were the third-worst offensive and second-worst defensive team in the league.
Charlotte has a new head coach: first-year head coach Charles Lee. Lee has been an NBA assistant since 2014 and spent 2023-24 with Boston.
The Hornets had a pretty quiet summer, though they stole Josh Green from Dallas as part of a six-team trade. They re-signed Miles Bridges and added French teenager Tidjane Saluan. They also signed veterans Taj Gibson and Seth Curry.
Charlotte has 14 players on standard contracts (13 fully guaranteed) with salaries totaling $153 million. Therefore, expect the Hornets to add another player to the 15-man roster, whether Johnson or not, as they are over $17 million below the luxury tax. Gibson possesses a partial guarantee ($1.08 million out of $3.3 million)
The Hornets also have filled out two two-way spots with KJ Simpson and Moussa Diabate. So, the Hornets need to add one more two-way player (if not Johnson) and three open training camp spots. Raequan Battle has reportedly signed an Exhibit 10 deal.
So, will Johnson bring to the Hornets? The following report is from Everything Buzz City:
Keyontae Johnson is a 6’5 230LB wing who can play 3 different positions SG/SF/PF because of his excellent frame, and quickness for a players his size.
Keyontae Johnson is a slashing wing who likes to use his frame to finish inside, good use of post spins when backing down smaller defenders, uses his frame well to finish inside, is able to finish with both his left and right hands, great off-ball cutter in the G-League and in college he can be a + on offense even without the ball and defensively he has his hands active, he has the length to get help side blocks when the opportunity presents itself maximizing his 42-inch vertical, and 7-foot wingspan well. His rebounding and willingness to get physical on the block for rebounds was also another skillset I was impressed with he is not afraid of the contact and will get scrappy and boxout on the offensive and defensive end which is something I love to see.
