Once the Miami Heat traded center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers, they were down to 13 players on their standard roster. The team would have two weeks to add a 14th. It seemed like common sense that the player who would get added would be guard Dru Smith. The 26-year-old is on a two-way deal with Miami.
Unfortunately, the Heat had to change those assumed plans after Monday. In their victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Smith sustained a leg injury. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the injury was a torn Achilles which will end Smith’s season prematurely.
Miami had to pivot and find someone else to bring onto their standard roster. They have decided on converting forward Keshad Johnson’s deal to a standard one.
Miami Heat Convert Two-Way Player To Standard Deal
Heat Convert Keshad Johnson To Standard Deal
While the Heat had until December 29 to add a player to the standard roster, they decided to do so with a few days to spare. Keshad Johnson signed a two-year contract with the second year being a team option, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Hearld. Chiang also tweeted that the first year is fully guaranteed.
Keshad Johnson’s salary for this season will be fully guaranteed. The expectation is Johnson’s standard contract will become official on Thursday ahead of the Heat’s game in Orlando.
Then Isaiah Stevens is expected to fill that open two-way contract slot. https://t.co/H4guyk0gqZ
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) December 24, 2024
Johnson went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. He agreed on a two-way deal with Miami shortly after the draft.
The 23-year-old Johnson has appeared in just three games for the Heat this season. Playing a total of 13 minutes in those three contests, Johnson has totaled two points and three rebounds. He played 1:37 in Miami’s most recent game on Monday.
Has Been Producing In G League
While Johnson has little exposure at the NBA level, he has received plenty of time in the G League. The 6-foot-6 forward has been playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League affiliate. Playing 34.9 minutes per contest over 13 outings, Johnson has posted averages of 21.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals. He has shot 55.2% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc, and 79.5% from the free-throw line.
Prior to his professional career kicking off, Johnson played four seasons collegiately for San Diego State and one with Arizona. He received an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his one season with the Wildcats in 2023-24, Johnson would average 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals. He shot 53.0% from the field, 38.7% from three-point territory, and 71.0% from the foul line. Arizona reached the Sweet 16 where they lost to the Clemson Tigers.
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