Former Tennessee guard Keon Johnson signed with the L.A. Clippers this weekend after the New York Knicks selected Johnson on behalf of the Clippers with the 21st pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Johnson became the highest drafted Tennessee basketball player since the Charlotte Bobcats selected Tobias Harris with the 19th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Johnson’s rookie contract runs through two seasons and has a third and fourth year team option.
The Shelbyville, Tennessee native will make $2,553,240 in his rookie season and $2,681,040 in his second season. If the Clippers picked up Johnson’s third and fourth year team option, the athletic guard would make a total of $12,517,291.
Another day of work in the books. pic.twitter.com/AVIHaAhGFE
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) August 9, 2021
NBA rookie contracts are predetermined depending on what pick you are selected with. For reference, Cade Cunningham— who Detroit selected with the first pick in the draft— will make $45,599,089 if he plays out all four seasons on his rookie deal.
Santi Album— who was the final pick of the first round— will make $10,243,371 if picked up for all four seasons on his contract.
The former five-star recruit played 25 minutes a game in his lone season in Knoxville, averaging 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Johnson particularly shined on the defensive side of the ball with his elite athleticism and long frame.
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Could Brian Maurer play wide receiver? He has good speed.