The terms of the deal are unclear, but it is likely to be unsecured or partially secured.
Johnson, 24, is 6-foot-4 and played nine games with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a rookie last season, averaging 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds. He was the 50th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, signing a two-way contract with OKC about a year ago.
He spent most of his time in the G League with the OKC Blue, averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 53% shooting and 39% from 3-point range.
The Hornets have an open roster spot, as well as a two-way roster spot, so Johnson is likely to compete for one of those spots. He could very well be on an Exhibit 10 “compensation” contract for training camp.
Charlotte currently has 14 players under standard contract, including 13 guaranteed.
“Charlotte and Oklahoma City have crossed paths quite a bit over the past year, thanks to the deadline change that sent Gordon Hayward to Thunder,” wrote Chase Gemes of SI.com. “This trade brought four former players to the Hornets: Alexei Pokusevsky, Three men, Vasilije Micic And Davis Bertans.
“Only Mann and Micic will remain in Charlotte next season, but the addition of Johnson increases the total number of replacements.”
Charlotte hired coach Charles Lee to replace Steve Clifford this offseason after finishing 21-61. The Hornets haven’t made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
