The Nets signed forward Chaney Johnson to a two-way contract last Friday, filling the final open slot on their roster and adding a versatile wing who’s spent the past year grinding his way into the NBA picture.
Johnson, 23, arrives after a strong start to the season with the Cleveland Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, where he averaged 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks in 16 games. Brooklyn had been the league’s lone team with an open two-way spot, and Johnson’s recent stretch of play made the decision straightforward.
What the Nets are getting isn’t just production. They’re getting a player shaped by a long climb, someone who’s learned to impact games without needing control of them.
At 6-7, Johnson fits the modern wing profile Brooklyn has prioritized: athletic, switchable and capable of contributing on both ends. With the Charge, he scored in double figures 10 times, opened the G League Tip-Off Tournament with three consecutive 20-point performances and shot over 60% from the field. He also showed flashes as a spot-up threat, converting 40% of his 3-point attempts on limited volume while thriving in transition and on the defensive end.
That blend of efficiency and activity carried over to the G League Showcase in Orlando, where Johnson delivered in front of decision-makers from all 30 NBA teams. Across two games, he shot 9-of-10 from the floor and 2-of-2 from deep, pairing clean offense with the same physical defense and motor that had defined his season. Not long after, Brooklyn called.
Johnson’s path to this point hasn’t been direct. A standout at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., he began his college career at Division II Alabama Huntsville, where he developed into a focal point and earned Gulf South Conference Player of the Year honors. From there, he transferred to Auburn, trading featured status for a supporting role on a national contender.
At Auburn, Johnson became a trusted piece on a roster built for deep March runs. Over two seasons, he helped the Tigers win SEC titles and reach the 2025 Final Four, carving out minutes through defense, physicality and efficiency rather than volume. As a senior, he averaged 9.1 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 56.7% from the field, often playing behind established frontcourt options but rarely fading from games.
After going undrafted in 2025, Johnson joined Cleveland for Summer League and training camp before settling into a larger role with the Charge. Brooklyn now brings him in on a non-guaranteed two-way deal, with the expectation that he’ll spend significant time developing with the Long Island Nets while remaining available to the NBA roster.
Still, Johnson’s reputation has always been about more than opportunity.
“Great kid,” former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “One of the most disciplined hardest workers I’ve ever coached. Great athlete. Great faith. Humble beginnings. Great family.”
