Keon was surprisingly cut by Brooklyn and we need guard depth. He's a plus defender with potential on offense. Thoughts? I'm guessing other teams are considering him, which is why he is waiting to make a decision. We likely don't have the cap space to sign what he wants, so curious what the best way to get him would be. He showed promise in a few games, notably in our two losses late in the season to Brooklyn. 6' 5". Was considered a top 15 pick at one point, but his offense made him more of a question mark so he fell to 21. Thoughts?
We can’t absorb any contract without other team absorbing one of our contracts without sending salary in return
I'm surprised they cut him and I'd probably take a chance on him if it was possible but I don't think that it is. 48 inch vertical. Good Lord! But he doesn't shoot well from basically anywhere. My guess is that they think he has already reached his full potential. He's only 23. I dunno. Tempting for some teams, no doubt about that.
If the Rockets are signing someone for the minimum it's most likely going to be a veteran, likely during the buyout market at the trade deadline. All they have is partial minimum space under the apron so they mostly have just one shot at a minimum guard signing. And they are unlikely to use that on a question mark like Keon Johnson.
His shooting has improved over last season. If you track another season of improvement, he should translate to 15+ ppg with plus defense.
This brings us to a point that needs to be addressed: season ending injuries deserve a 20% of salary to be removed from the cap. We have 25 million in dead cap space now and being forced to trade it away is just dumb. Now I know why we were taking so many injured contracts during our rebuild.
Tangent news; Nets also cut Dariq Whitehead. Dariq was a 1st rounder (22nd pick) in the Wemby/Amen draft. After couple leg surgeries, lack of progression, and just many new mouths to feed over there Nets. Dariq's salary still on the books which is a good thing for them since they needed money to meet the salary floor. NBA spots around the league is precious. If players don't (or can't) make the best of it, they're gone. p.s. Lastly don't think Rockets should pursue him.
