DONE: Hornets sign another highly top profile
Former Thunder forward Keyontae Johnson is set to join the Hornets, as announced by his agency, Priority Sports, on social media (via Instagram).
The specifics of his contract with Charlotte are currently unclear. The Hornets have one open standard roster spot and a vacant two-way slot, so Johnson could be filling either of these. A two-way contract or an Exhibit 10 deal appears to be the most likely outcome for the former Kansas State forward.
Johnson was selected 50th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and spent his rookie year on a two-way contract. He played in nine NBA games, averaging 1.2 points, and spent more time in the G League, where he posted averages of 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals over 38 games with the Oklahoma City Blue.
Johnson began his college career at Florida (2018-22), earning All-SEC First Team honors in his sophomore year after averaging 14.0 points and 7.1 rebounds. He gained national attention in 2020 after collapsing on the court and falling into a coma. Following a remarkable recovery, he returned to basketball in 2022/23 with Kansas State, where he averaged 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds, leading to his NBA opportunity.
The 6’6″ forward continued to impress in the G League, making 40.4% of his three-point attempts last season.
If Johnson signs, the Hornets’ offseason roster will increase to 17 players out of a possible 21. The team currently has 14 players on standard contracts (13 guaranteed), two on two-way deals, and Johnson’s contract details still pending. The Hornets are also expected to sign undrafted free agent Raequan Battle to an Exhibit 10 contract.