The New York Knicks could take a low-risk look at one of the more athletic free agents still available as they search for additional frontcourt depth.
Joseph Randazzo of Knicks On SI suggested that free agent Keshad Johnson could be worth bringing into training camp, although there is no indication at this stage that New York has actually shown interest in the 25-year-old.
The idea remains highly hypothetical, with Randazzo essentially proposing Johnson as a player the Knicks could evaluate rather than reporting negotiations or contact between the two sides.
New York already has Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond in the middle, but its depth behind them has become thinner following Mitchell Robinson's departure.
Johnson would not be a conventional solution at center. At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, he has primarily played forward, but his athleticism, rebounding and defensive versatility could potentially allow him to handle some small-ball frontcourt minutes.
Johnson made name for himself with Heat
Johnson went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft after a five-year college career split between San Diego State and Arizona.
He spent his first four seasons with San Diego State and helped the Aztecs reach the 2023 NCAA championship game before transferring to Arizona for his final collegiate season.
With the Wildcats, Johnson averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steal while shooting 53% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.
Miami signed Johnson to a two-way contract in July 2024 after he went undrafted. He impressed during Summer League and eventually earned a standard NBA contract with the Heat in December of that year.
Johnson appeared in 16 NBA games as a rookie before receiving a larger opportunity during the 2025-26 campaign.
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Johnson's stats with Miami
Johnson played 32 games for the Heat last season, averaging 4.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 0.3 assists in just 8.8 minutes per game.
Across his first two NBA seasons, Johnson has appeared in 48 games and averaged 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in 7.9 minutes.
His production has been significantly stronger when given extended minutes in the G League.
Johnson averaged 17.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.9 blocks in eight appearances for the Sioux Falls Skyforce during the 2025-26 season while shooting 51.5% from the field and 47.1% from three.
Johnson also gained national attention at NBA All-Star Weekend, winning the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest by defeating San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant in the final round.