Story by
Chaney Johnson Has Earned a Standard Contract With Nets
- Story by
- Chaney Johnson Has Earned a Standard Contract With Nets
Chaney Johnson Has Earned a Standard Contract With Nets
(Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Chaney Johnson has made it pretty difficult for the Brooklyn Nets to ignore him.
The 24-year-old forward has spent the better part of the past year doing exactly what a player on a two-way contract is supposed to do: dominate the G League when given the opportunity, make the most of limited NBA minutes and continue improving every time he steps onto the court.
Advertisement
And somehow, after everything Johnson has shown, the Nets still don't have a spot for him.
That's not a knock on Johnson. It's a reflection of just how crowded Brooklyn's roster has become.
Johnson went undrafted in 2025 before eventually finding his way to the Nets. He spent 24 games with the Long Island Nets last season, averaging 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists while adding 1.5 steals and 1.0 block per game.
When his opportunity finally came at the NBA level, he didn't look overwhelmed.
Johnson appeared in 17 games for Brooklyn and averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 20.5 minutes per game while shooting 54.3% from the field.
Advertisement
His best moments came late in the season.
He scored a career-high 17 points with nine rebounds against Portland in March before putting together a 16-point, 13-rebound performance against Toronto in April.
Those weren't empty minutes from a player simply getting a chance because the season was almost over. Johnson was making an impact.
Then came Summer League.
Once again, Johnson found a way to stand out.
He played all over the floor, including significant minutes at center despite being just 6-foot-7. He defended multiple positions, rebounded, made plays in transition and constantly seemed to be around the ball.
Advertisement
During the Las Vegas portion of Summer League, Johnson averaged 13 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game, leading the entire tournament in steals. His defensive activity was impossible to miss, and his willingness to do whatever Brooklyn needed made him one of the team's most valuable players.
That versatility is probably Johnson's biggest selling point.
He isn't demanding touches. He isn't complaining about where he's being played. He isn't worried about whether he's technically a four or a five.
He just plays.
As Summer League coach Dutch Gaitley put it, if the Nets needed Johnson to play point guard, he'd play point guard. That pretty much sums up why Johnson has become such an intriguing piece for Brooklyn.
Advertisement
Johnson himself has made his mentality clear.
"Whatever the team needs, I'm there."
That's the kind of attitude that can keep a player in the NBA for a long time. Johnson isn't trying to force himself into a role that isn't there. He's trying to find a way to help.
He has also made it clear that he genuinely loves being in Brooklyn.
Johnson has embraced the fans, the organization and the opportunity he's been given. The "Chainator" nickname, the chants at Barclays Center and the interaction he's had with Nets fans have all clearly meant something to him.
Advertisement
And he's hungry.
After a difficult season for the Nets, Johnson talked about the team's chip on its shoulder heading into 2026-27. He doesn't sound like someone who is satisfied simply being on an NBA roster. He wants to prove that he belongs.
At this point, Johnson has done plenty of proving.
The frustrating part is that the Nets' current roster simply doesn't have room for him.
Brooklyn's 15-man roster is already full with Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, Egor Dëmin, Noah Clowney, Day'Ron Sharpe, Mikel Brown Jr., Nolan Traore, Keon Ellis, Moritz Wagner, Josh Minott, Danny Wolf, Drake Powell, Terance Mann, Ben Saraf and Joshua Jefferson.
Advertisement
There isn't an obvious player to cut just to create a standard contract for Johnson.
That's what makes this situation so unfortunate.
Johnson deserves the opportunity to see what he can do with a standard NBA contract. He has earned that chance through his play, his work ethic and his willingness to do whatever is asked of him.
But the Nets also can't simply manufacture a roster spot that doesn't exist.
So, for now, Johnson will continue on his two-way deal and continue doing what he has done since arriving in Brooklyn: make it impossible to overlook him.
Maybe an opportunity opens up through an injury. Maybe a roster move happens later in the season. Maybe Johnson forces Brooklyn's hand with his play.
Advertisement
Whatever happens, the message should be clear.
Chaney Johnson has earned this.
He has already gone from being an undrafted player fighting for a G League opportunity to someone Nets fans are genuinely excited to watch. He has proven he can contribute in the G League. He has proven he can contribute in the NBA. And he has proven he can make an impact in Summer League while doing whatever the team asks of him.
The Nets may not have a spot for Johnson right now.
But if his track record is any indication, he's going to keep making them wish they did.
