The Maine Celtics are adding some experienced NBA talent to their roster after losing a wing to the Detroit Pistons earlier this month. Former Nets forward Keon Johnson was claimed by the Maine Celtics according to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.
The 23-year-old was a regular starter for a rebuilding Nets roster last year, averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game over 56 starts. However, the team waived the forward in a surprise move before training camp due to a roster crunch. The Nets used all four of their first round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft and also took in several contracts in trades this offseason, leading to multiple players under contract getting cut, like Johnson.
Johnson was also dealing with an injury this fall, according to the New York Post, but now appears healthy enough to look for an opportunity in the G-League.
Johnson was taken with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, playing his rookie season with the Clippers before being dealt as part of a trade package for Robert Covington and Norman Powell at the trade deadline. Two years later, Johnson was sent to Phoenix as part of the Damian Lillard three-team trade and eventually landed for two years with the Nets.
The Celtics could use some more depth on the wing in Maine after losing Wendell Moore Jr. to a two-way contract with the Pistons just a week into the G-League season. Maine has won five straight games after starting their season 0-3 under new head coach Phil Pressey. The team also has multiple players with NBA experience in Maine including Jalen Bridges and Kendall Brown. All three two-way players for the Celtics (Amari Williams, Max Shulga, Ron Harper Jr.) have been seeing regular action in Maine.