According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday, the Phoenix Suns intend to cut guard Keon Johnson, 21, in order to reduce their roster to 15 players before the regular season cut deadline.
The roster cut would complete the Suns’ opening night lineup for their Tuesday matchup against the Golden State Warriors, barring any more moves.
This indicates that Damion Lee (meniscus injury) and big man Bol Bol seem to have made the team.
As part of the Damian Lillard blockbuster that sent Suns center Deandre Ayton to Portland, Johnson arrived in Phoenix from the Trail Blazers on September 27. In the deal, Phoenix also obtained former Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen, wing Nassir Little, and center Jusuf Nurkic of the Blazers.
Johnson, the 21st overall pick in 2021, has played in 77 NBA games for Portland and the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 14.5 minutes per game, 5.9 points, and 1.8 assists on 36% shooting.
He was trailing perimeter players Josh Okogie and Jordan Goodwin, as well as combo guards Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen, who were all defensive-minded. This group of players will battle for playing time behind Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, the All-Star team.
The Suns now have 17 players on standard contracts in addition to Saben Lee and Udoka Azubuike’s two-way deals as a result of the Ayton trade. When calculating the maximum 15-man roster for regular-season play, two-way contracts are excluded.
Ish Wainright, who missed the preseason and had a calf injury, was cut by Phoenix on Thursday, the first of two required cuts.
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