Keon Johnson, the explosive 6’5” shooting guard for the Brooklyn Nets, has steadily carved his path in the NBA since being drafted in 2021. Known for his athleticism and defensive hustle, Johnson’s journey from a five-star high school recruit to a key role player in Brooklyn reflects his resilience and adaptability.
As of 2025, his growing net worth, evolving contract terms, and on-court contributions make him a fascinating figure in professional basketball. Let’s break down his career, earnings, and personal life.
Keon Johnson’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Keon Johnson |
| Date of Birth | March 10, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of Birth | Shelbyville, Tennessee |
| Height | 6’5” (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 186 lbs (84 kg) |
| Education | The Webb School (TN); University of Tennessee (2020–2021) |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| NBA Draft | 2021, Round 1, Pick 21 (New York Knicks) |
| Net Worth | $12.5 million |
| 2024/25 Salary | $2.8 million |
| Career Earnings | $12.5 million |
| Social Media | N/A |
Early Career
Keon Johnson’s early career was defined by overcoming adversity and showcasing raw athleticism. Growing up in Shelbyville, Tennessee, he attended The Webb School, where his basketball journey nearly ended before it began. Two months before starting high school, Johnson suffered a life-altering fireworks accident that left him with open fractures in four fingers, temporary unconsciousness, and a 10-foot throw from the blast.
After emergency surgery to repair blood vessels and eight weeks of physical therapy, he avoided amputation and returned to the court with renewed determination. By his sophomore year, Johnson emerged as a dominant force, averaging 25.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His explosive dunking ability and defensive intensity earned him Tennessee’s Division II-A Mr. Basketball award—an honor he repeated as a junior after posting 25.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
During his junior season, he led The Webb School to the state semifinals, cementing his reputation as Tennessee’s top prospect. His senior year was cut short by a meniscus injury, but not before he averaged 30.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in just four games. Despite the setback, his high school jersey (#23) became the first in Webb’s 155-year history to be retired in 2025, a testament to his legacy.
Johnson’s talent caught national attention at the 2018 Rocky Top Classic AAU tournament, where he starred for the Elite Amateur Basketball program. His performance earned him MVP honors at USA Basketball’s 2019 summer mini-camp in Colorado Springs, outshining top high school players. By 2020, he was a consensus five-star recruit, ranked as high as No. 16 nationally by Rivals.
He chose Tennessee over offers from Ohio State and Virginia, becoming the Vols’ highest-ranked in-state signee since Robert Hubbs III in 2013. At Tennessee, Johnson’s freshman season (2020–21) showcased his two-way potential.
Starting 17 of 27 games, he averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors. His defensive versatility shone through—he recorded four steals against Appalachian State and two blocks in three games. Offensively, he dropped 27 points against Kentucky and hit nine free throws in a clutch win over Arkansas.
Though his shooting efficiency wavered (.445 FG%), his 48-inch vertical leap at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine—a record—solidified his draft stock. After leading Tennessee in dunks (16) and scoring 14 points in their NCAA Tournament loss to Oregon State, he declared for the draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
Professional Career
Keon Johnson’s NBA journey began with turbulence. Drafted 21st overall by the New York Knicks in 2021, he was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Quentin Grimes. His rookie season saw limited action—15 games with averages of 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds—before a midseason trade sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2022 as part of a deal for Norman Powell and Robert Covington.
In Portland, Johnson’s minutes surged to 25.5 per game, and he responded with career-high performances, including a 20-point game against the Spurs in April 2022. The 2022–23 season brought setbacks. Despite averaging 4.7 points in 40 games, a broken finger during practice sidelined him indefinitely in March 2023. His resilience showed during the 2022 Summer League, where he averaged 14.2 points to help Portland win its second Las Vegas title.
However, in September 2023, Johnson was packaged in a blockbuster three-team trade involving Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, landing him with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns waived him weeks later, leaving him unsigned until November 2023, when the Brooklyn Nets offered a two-way contract. Johnson’s breakthrough came in the 2024–25 season.
After re-signing with Brooklyn on a two-year, $4.5 million deal in July 2024, he started 44 of 67 games, averaging 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals—career highs across the board. His defensive versatility and transition scoring solidified his role as a key rotation player. Financial hurdles marked his early career—his 2021–22 salary split between the Clippers ($2.55 million) and Trail Blazers ($2.68 million).
By 2025, his earnings reached $12.5 million, anchored by a $2.8 million salary in Brooklyn. Though injuries and roster cuts tested him, Johnson’s tenacity paid off: his Nets tenure has elevated him from a fringe prospect to a reliable two-way contributor.
Keon Johnson’s Net Worth Details
Keon Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $12.5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Keon Johnson’s current contract with the Brooklyn Nets is a two-year, $4.5 million deal signed in July 2024. The agreement includes $2.16 million guaranteed for the 2024/25 season, with only $250,000 guaranteed at signing and an additional $700,000 if he remained on the roster through opening night.
The second year (2025/26) holds a $2.35 million team option, with just $271,614 guaranteed upfront and $760,520 if he isn’t waived before the 2025/26 season begins. The Nets can opt to fully guarantee both seasons by January 10 of each respective year. Johnson’s deal reflects a low-risk, high-reward structure, aligning with his role as a rotational player aiming to prove his long-term value.
Salary
Keon Johnson’s 2024/25 salary with the Brooklyn Nets is $2,162,606, part of a two-year, $4.5 million contract signed in July 2024. The deal includes $2.16 million guaranteed, with only $250,000 secured at signing and an additional $700,000 if he remained on the roster through opening night.
The second year (2025/26) holds a $2.35 million team option, featuring a $271,614 guarantee that rises to $760,520 if he isn’t waived before the 2025/26 season begins. The Nets can choose to fully guarantee both seasons by January 10, 2025, and January 10, 2026, respectively. This structure reflects Brooklyn’s low-risk approach, allowing flexibility while Johnson continues proving his value as a rotational wing.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | LAC/POR | $2.55M |
| 2022–23 | Portland Trail Blazers | $2.68M |
| 2023–24 | PHX/BKN | $2.80M |
| 2024–25 | Brooklyn Nets | $2.81M |
| 2025–26 | Brooklyn Nets | $2.35M* |
| Total | $12.5M |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | LAC/POR | 7.2 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 35.3% | 34.0% |
| 2022–23 | Portland (POR) | 4.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 37.6% | 34.6% |
| 2024–25 | Brooklyn (BKN) | 10.2 | 3.7 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 37.9% | 30.7% |
FAQs
1. What is Keon Johnson’s current contract with the Brooklyn Nets?
Keon Johnson signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2024. The deal includes $2.16 million guaranteed for the 2024/25 season, with $250,000 guaranteed at signing and $700,000 added if he remained on the roster through opening night. The 2025/26 season holds a $2.35 million team option, partially guaranteed at $271,614 upfront. The Nets can fully guarantee both seasons by January 10 each year. This structure offers flexibility while Johnson proves his value as a rotational player.
2. What are Keon Johnson’s career earnings in the NBA?
Keon Johnson’s career earnings total $12.5 million. His earnings by season include $2.55 million (2021–22 with LAC/POR), $2.68 million (2022–23 with Portland), $2.80 million (2023–24 with PHX/BKN), and $2.81 million (2024–25 with Brooklyn). The 2025–26 season includes a $2.35 million team option, which the Nets have yet to exercise. His earnings reflect steady growth despite early career challenges like trades and injuries.
3. How did Keon Johnson start his basketball career?
Keon Johnson began his basketball journey at The Webb School in Tennessee, where he overcame a severe fireworks accident at age 14 that nearly cost him his hand. He became a two-time Tennessee Mr. Basketball (2018, 2019) and a five-star recruit. At the University of Tennessee (2020–21), he averaged 11.3 points per game, earning SEC All-Freshman honors. His record-breaking 48-inch vertical leap at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine propelled him to the first round as the 21st overall pick.
4. What teams has Keon Johnson played for in the NBA?
Johnson’s NBA journey includes stints with the Los Angeles Clippers (2021–22), Portland Trail Blazers (2022–23), Phoenix Suns (briefly in 2023), and Brooklyn Nets (2023–present). After being drafted by the Knicks and traded to the Clippers, he saw limited playing time before breaking out with Portland. A 2023 trade sent him to Phoenix, but he was waived and later signed a two-way deal with Brooklyn, where he secured a multi-year contract in 2024.
5. What is Keon Johnson’s vertical leap record?
At the 2021 NBA Draft Combine, Keon Johnson set the event’s all-time record with a 48-inch max vertical leap. This explosiveness, combined with his 6’5” frame, solidified his reputation as a high-upside prospect. His athleticism has translated to highlight-reel dunks and defensive versatility, particularly during his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averages 1.0 steals per game in the 2024–25 season.
6. Who are Keon Johnson’s parents?
Keon Johnson’s parents are Conswella Sparrow Johnson, a former Auburn basketball star and two-time All-SEC player, and Keith Johnson, who passed away in 2023. His mother’s basketball legacy influenced his career, while his father’s support helped him navigate early challenges. Johnson frequently credits his parents’ discipline and encouragement for his resilience, including his comeback from a near-career-ending fireworks accident in high school.
7. What endorsements does Keon Johnson have?
Keon Johnson has one publicly known endorsement with Panini, a collectibles brand. Details about other partnerships remain undisclosed. His earnings primarily stem from NBA salaries, with career earnings exceeding $12.5 million. Johnson’s low endorsement profile contrasts with his on-court growth, suggesting a focus on basketball over commercial ventures early in his career.
8. What are Keon Johnson’s career stats?
In 149 NBA games, Johnson averages 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His 2024–25 season with Brooklyn marks a breakout: 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Career highlights include a 20-point game against the Spurs (2022) and a 48-inch vertical leap. Defensively, he’s recorded 120 steals and 46 blocks, leveraging his athleticism to guard multiple positions.
9. What happened during Keon Johnson’s fireworks accident?
Two months before high school, Johnson suffered open fractures in four fingers and lost consciousness in a fireworks explosion. Surgeons repaired damaged blood vessels, preventing amputation. After eight weeks of rehab, he returned to basketball, eventually becoming a top recruit. The accident instilled resilience, which he credits for his ability to overcome later setbacks, including a meniscus injury and NBA roster cuts.
10. What role does Keon Johnson play for the Brooklyn Nets?
Johnson serves as a rotational shooting guard for the Nets, specializing in perimeter defense and transition scoring. In 2024–25, he started 44 games, averaging career highs in points (10.2) and steals (1.0). His two-way versatility and 6’5” frame allow him to guard positions 1–3, making him a key piece in Brooklyn’s strategy. The Nets’ partial guarantees on his contract reflect their belief in his potential as a long-term contributor.
