The Heat will convert Johnson from a two-way contract to a standard, two-year NBA contract prior to Thursday's game against the Magic, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Fellow two-way player Dru Smith had been viewed as a frontrunner to fill the open spot on the 15-man roster at some point, but he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Monday's win over the Nets. The Heat will instead award the open spot to Johnson, an undrafted rookie out of Arizona who has played 14 total minutes over three appearances at the NBA level this season. Johnson has been a standout performer in the G League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, averaging 21.2 points (on 55.2 percent shooting from the field), 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.5 three-pointers and 1.5 steals in 34.9 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Heat's Keshad Johnson: Makes second career appearance
Rotowire
Johnson provided two rebounds in six minutes during Wednesday's 134-93 win over the Lakers.
Johnson suited up for just the second time in his young career, albeit for just six minutes during garbage time. While he has been putting up encouraging numbers in the G League, it took two blowouts for Johnson to enter the rotation. At this point, it appears as though he is going to continue to be someone who is utilized sparingly while up with the Heat.
... See More... See Less
Heat's Keshad Johnson: Out again Monday
Rotowire
Johnson (ankle) won't play in Monday's Summer League Championship Game against the Grizzlies, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Johnson went down with an ankle injury during Thursday's matchup against Dallas, and the team won't rush him back for an exhibition. He shouldn't have any issue returning to full strength in time for the 2024-25 regular season.
... See More... See Less
Heat's Keshad Johnson: Shines in Summer League
Rotowire
Johnson recorded 21 points (8-14 FG, 1-4 3P, 4-6 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks across 30 minutes in Wednesday's 80-76 win over the Lakers in the California Classic.
Johnson showed why the Heat signed the undrafted free agent out of Arizona to a two-way contract this offseason, tying for the team high in points while making his presence felt on the defensive end. Johnson will continue to see Summer League action with the Heat in Las Vegas.
... See More... See Less
Heat's Keshad Johnson: Inks two-way deal with Miami
Rotowire
The Heat signed Johnson to a two-way contract with the Heat on Thursday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Johnson signed a two-way deal with Miami. In 2023-24 with Arizona, he averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 36 games, all of which were starts. Johnson is set to split time between the Heat and their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
