AJ Johnson, the Milwaukee Bucks‘ first-round draft pick in 2024, is changing jerseys again this trade deadline. Once again accompanying Khris Middleton, the 21-year-old Wizards guard will head to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis trade that relieves the Mavericks of Davis’ massive contract in exchange for expiring salaries and draft assets. For Johnson, a footnote even among Bucks fans as Middleton makes headlines, it represents yet another change of scenery after just a season and a half in the league.
Johnson yet to pay off promise that tempted the Bucks with the 23rd pick two drafts ago
After being shipped to Washington last February, Johnson appeared in 22 games and average 9.1 points, 3.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds on 38.1/24.7/88.6 splits. Obviously those numbers aren’t flattering, especially with Johnson’s defensive shortcomings, but it was at least more than he showed in seven games for Milwaukee.
Ultimately, it wasn’t enough for the Wizards to continue giving him rope this season. In 25 games, Johnson averaged just 8.6 minutes. He did, however, produce a pair of noteworthy outings in his final two games before the trade: 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists against the Knicks, plus 17 points on 7-13 shooting versus the Kings.
Mar 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) celebrates during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Goods new for Johnson, the Mavericks cleared out the depth chart by sending guards D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum. The Exum piece of it doesn’t really factor in, as he is out for the season with a knee injury, but Russell and Hardy combined to appear in 60 games and average 17.1 points in the Dallas backcourt.
Perhaps the Mavericks give Johnson a shot as they embark on a second-half tank in earnest. In 54 career games (11 starts), Johnson is averaging 5.4 points and 1.8 assists per game across 15.8 minutes. The guaranteed portion of his Bucks rookie deal runs out after this season. He has two non-guaranteed years remaining worth $8.7 million in total.
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