Getty Alize Johnson leaves the court after Indiana's game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 9, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Brooklyn Nets have a couple of more days to act if they want to pull the trigger on a trade ahead of the deadline on March 25. In the meantime, they’ve padded their frontcourt depth with the signing of Alize Johnson to a 10-day contract.
The Nets officially announced their deal with the 6-foot-8 forward on Monday, which allowed them to meet the NBA’s 14-man roster requirement.
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Johnson Tore up the G League
Johnson, 24, helped lead the Raptors G League affiliate, Raptors 905, to a 12-3 record during the league’s truncated season. He was a double-double machine, averaging 16.6 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, the second-most in the G League this season. He also averaged 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 32.1 minutes, and was efficient shooting the basketball with a 57/33/76 shooting line.
By the end of the season, Johnson, a second-round pick by the Indiana Pacers in the 2018 draft, had emerged as an MVP candidate.
By all accounts, he tore up the G League this past season and played an integral role in the Raptors 905’s success.
Alize Johnson can rebound like crazy. Covered him in college. Great kid and looked good in the G-League bubble with Raptors 905.
Brooklyn Nets say Alize Johnson has parlayed tremendous Gubble season with Raptors 905 into a 10-day deal
Johnson Drew Interest From Several Other Teams
An impressive showing in the G League landed Johnson on several other NBA teams’ radar.
The Magic, Rockets, Spurs and Suns were also interested in the services of Johnson, in addition to the Raptors, according to The Ringer.
Sports journalist Lukas Weese wrote on Twitter that he was “shocked” the Raptors didn’t sign Johnson.
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Open Audition for Johnson With Nets
ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks reported Johnson’s 10-day contract will come with a cap hit of $110,998 as Johnson has a chance to audition for his new team.
That audition won’t commence on Tuesday, though.
The Nets on Monday ruled Johnson out for their Tuesday game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
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