The Brooklyn Nets have received a major makeover during the summer of 2025. One decision, in particular, has made them uglier. The Nets chose to move on from Keon Johnson after another major shake-up.
The Brooklyn Nets will acquire Kobe Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for cash considerations ($110,000), sources told @hoopshype. Bufkin is owed $4.5 million this season with a team option for 2026-27. Hawks get more room below the luxury tax line. ESPN first to report.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 15, 2025
Brooklyn acquired Kobe Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks on Sep. 15. The opportunity to take a flier on a former first round pick was a good one for the rebuilding franchise. However, in making room for yet another new acquisition, two days later, it was announced Johnson would be on his way out.
Michael Scotto reported, "The Brooklyn Nets have waived guard Keon Johnson. He averaged 10.6 points in 79 games for Brooklyn last season."
The Nets, amid their rebuild, can afford to take chances on higher upside. For the Los Angeles Lakers, amid their desire to push for a championship, they will take the guys who can blossom into quality role players. Johnson would bring them extremely valuable traits for a low price.
Keon Johnson ticks several of Lakers' needed boxes
The obvious needs to be stated: Johnson has struggled on the offensive end during his four years at the NBA level. The 21st overall pick from the 2021 NBA Draft has only shot 37.9 percent from the field, and 32.4 percent from beyond the arc in his career.
Both of those numbers do not offer confidence. They would require a team to put time into working on his offense with him. Why should that type of effort be wasted on Johnson? That would be the defensive upside that is offered.
Keon Johnson with a couple nice defensive plays, including a block you'll want to see Trendon Watford's reaction to: pic.twitter.com/w7eVlPwnOD
— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) December 5, 2024
No one is out here calling him Herb Jones, or anyone of the sort. However, Johnson has displayed a lot of athletic gifts which would have one believing that a strong defensive presence can be had from the 23-year-old.
Johnson averaged 1.0 steal and 0,4 blocks per game in 2024-25, holding a defensive rating of 115 per 100 possessions. None of those numbers immediately leap out as defensive savant.
However, in his minutes for the Nets last season, what could be found was an active defender who did well pressuring guards up the floor and creating problems for them. Once more, his athleticism guides him well.
Johnson would need a touch more discipline overall on defense, but there is plenty of reason to believe in the ability to mold him. The Lakers, who are low on depth and even lower on two-way wing play, could benefit here.
Granted, two-way would come with the implication that JJ Redick and his staff can quickly help address the offensive concerns. The signing would also require the often discussed consolidation trade for the Lakers.
Whether the Lakers staff believe it is worth investing the time into fixing the offense would likely be the swing factor here. Johnson brings plenty to love otherwise as a low-cost move.