Suns Reportedly Make Final Roster Cut

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly planning on releasing G Keon Johnson prior to opening night.

ESPN Insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke a piece of news on Sunday night that's likely inconsequential to the larger scope of the NBA, but is of interest to Phoenix Suns fans.

Guard Keon Johnson appears to be the other odd man out in Phoenix, as Wojnarowski is reporting the Suns are likely to waive Johnson. Phoenix needed to cut one more player ahead of the beginning of the 2023-24 regular season to trim their roster down to 15.

Johnson was cut alongside now Trail Blazers forward Ishmail Wainwright, who was waived earlier this week. 

The Phoenix Suns are planning to waive guard Keon Johnson to get the roster to 15 for opening night, sources tell ESPN. Johnson, 21, landed with Phoenix from Portland as part of the three-team trade with Milwaukee. He was the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 23, 2023

Johnson was acquired as part of the Damian Lillard/Deandre Ayton blockbuster at the end of September, and was always seen as the likeliest candidate to be waived, along with Wainwright. 

Bol Bol presumably beat Johnson out for the final spot, with the Suns need for depth on the back lines more pressing than the front likely being a strong factor. 

Johnson did have some impressive moments in preseason play, but didn't do enough to stand out and didn't play enough in the finale Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers to make a final impression.

Johnson, a former five-star recruit out of high school and first-round pick in the 2021 NBA draft, still has intriguing upside. He is sure to get an opportunity elsewhere, whether it's with an NBA contract, two-way deal, or NBA G League.

Now, the Suns' 15-man lineup is set, and all Suns fans need to do now is wait for the season opener on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors.