In a quiet yet calculated maneuver that’s flying under the radar, the Boston Celtics have pulled off a potential game-changer by bringing Keon Johnson into their organization. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Maine Celtics—the G League affiliate of the reigning NBA champions—have claimed the explosive guard off waivers, injecting fresh talent into an already surging squad. This move, orchestrated by Celtics president Brad Stevens, could be the stealthy masterstroke that uncovers Boston’s next hidden gem.
Johnson, waived by the Brooklyn Nets on September 17 after a solid stint as a key rotation player last season, now steps into a red-hot Maine team that’s turned heads with five straight wins following an early 0-3 stumble. Teaming up with sharpshooter Max Shulga and the dominant Ron Harper Jr., who’s been torching the G League, Johnson is poised to form a powerhouse backcourt. As Maine eyes a third consecutive Eastern Conference finals appearance, his athleticism and savvy could be the spark that propels them deeper into the playoffs.
While a call-up to the Boston roster seems like a long shot—especially since Johnson’s four NBA seasons make him ineligible for a two-way contract—stranger things have happened in the unpredictable world of hoops. Anything’s possible in Stevens’ system, where overlooked talents often blossom into stars.
At just 23, Johnson brings a wealth of experience that’s rare for someone still brimming with untapped potential. Last season with the Nets, he suited up for 79 games, starting 56, and delivered 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His shooting splits—38.9% from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc on 5.1 attempts—show room for growth, but his elite athleticism and defensive instincts make him a tantalizing project.
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Johnson’s NBA journey has been a whirlwind of trades and transitions, starting with his draft by the LA Clippers. Midway through his rookie year, he was shipped to the Portland Trail Blazers in the deal that landed Norman Powell in LA. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—before even lacing up for a game, he was flipped in the New York Knicks-Dallas Mavericks swap for Kristaps Porzingis, then rerouted from the Knicks to the Clippers for Quentin Grimes.
The drama didn’t stop there. Portland later included him in the blockbuster that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee, landing him with the Phoenix Suns—who promptly waived him. Enter the Nets, who gave him a real shot before cutting ties amid their tanking rebuild.
Now, in Maine, Johnson faces what could be his defining moment—a chance to rewrite his narrative and prove he’s more than a journeyman. With teams repeatedly trading him away, even a struggling Nets squad letting him go, this G League stint might be his final audition for NBA stability. But under the Celtics’ developmental umbrella, guided by Stevens’ visionary eye for talent, Johnson could emerge as the next superstar no one saw coming. Boston’s history of turning under-the-radar acquisitions into champions? It’s legendary. Keep an eye on this one—it might just be the move that pays dividends for years to come.