Former Thunder Keyontae Johnson signs deal with Hornets

Former Thunder Keyontae Johnson signs deal with Hornets.

After his free agent rights were renounced earlier this offseason, Keyontae Johnson has found a new home. The 24-year-old has signed a contract with the Charlotte Hornets, per his agency Priority Sports.

This marks the end of a forgettable one-year stint for Johnson with the Thunder. He was the No. 50 selection of the 2023 NBA draft and was added on a two-way deal.

Johnson had a redshirt season last year and only totaled nine appearances in his rookie season. He averaged 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds.

The 24-year-old spent most of his rookie campaign with the G League’s OKC Blue, where he was a starter on their quest to a championship.

Johnson played in five college seasons from 2018-23. He spent his first four campaigns in Florida before transferring to Kansas State for his final season.

He was limited to four games in his final two years with the Gators as he missed time with a heart condition discovered after he collapsed on the court in Dec. 2020.

The details of his deal with the Hornets are unknown, but it’s likely a two-way slot. He will have a chance to continue to develop in the G League while on an NBA squad more suited to give him consistent minutes.

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