3. Keon Johnson
The Brooklyn Nets may let Keon Johnson, who was on a two-way contract, walk in free agency. There are certain areas of his game that Johnson needs to improve in order to see more minutes, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be in the league at all. Still only 22, Johnson could be given more time to develop in Portland.
Johnson has excellent athleticism and is already an offensive threat in terms of his slashing and ability. He needs to improve his efficiency, as he has yet to reach 40 percent from the field in a single season. In Johnson's three seasons in the league, he's shot nearly the same from the field (36.3 percent) as the three-point line (34.6 percent); this also ties into his shot selection. Johnson is a capable spot-up shooter but gets in trouble when he tries to do too much as a shot-creator. With more experience, he should grow into his role and become a better decision-maker on offense.
Defensively, Johnson gets lost at times. But there is reason for optimism as well. His athleticism, 6-foot-5 frame, and amount of energy he expends on that side of the ball suggest that he can eventually become a net-positive defender. If the Blazers were to bring him back, he must become a better defender since they already have enough young guards who are more offensive-minded.
Giving him another chance and more time would allow Johnson to develop and tap into his upside. It's too early to give up on the No. 21 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and it wouldn't require much to bring him back to Rip City.