The LA Clippers have acquired the draft rights to guard Keon Johnson, the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, from the New York Knicks in exchange for the Clippers 25th overall pick in this year’s draft and the Detroit Pistons second-round pick in 2024.
“We studied Keon closely throughout the draft process and are thrilled we were able to move up to select him,” said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. “He is an explosive athlete, a versatile defender and a terrific competitor who will fit in well with our group.”
Johnson averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists during his freshman season at the University of Tennessee. The 6-foot-4 guard led the Volunteers in field goals made (111) and ranked second in scoring. The Shelbyville, Tenn., native was named to the 2020-21 SEC All-Freshman First Team and received SEC Freshman of the Week honors on February 8. He subsequently broke the NBA Draft Combine record with a 48-inch vertical leap. Johnson was named Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball as a sophomore and a junior at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tenn. His mother, Conswella Johnson, was Tennessee’s Miss Basketball in high school and went on to play at Auburn, where she was a two-time All-SEC selection.