Nets Extend Two-Way Qualifying Offer to Chaney Johnson

Brooklyn Nets forward Chaney Johnson is now a restricted free agent heading into free agency after the team extended a two-way qualifying offer to him on Saturday morning, first reported by Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

Johnson becoming a restricted free agent means Brooklyn has the right of first refusal if another team submits an offer sheet. The Nets would have 48 hours to match an offer sheet Johnson receives.

The 24-year-old's two-way salary was worth $347,451, according to HoopsHype. His previous contract puts Brooklyn in the driver's seat to retain him as a cost-controlled asset.

Johnson played 17 games for the Nets last season and averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He shot 54.3% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc.

The 6-foot-7 forward spent the majority of the season in the G League. He started the year on the Cleveland Charge -- the Cleveland Cavaliers' affiliate squad -- and played two games for them.

He signed a two-way contract with Brooklyn toward the end of December, becoming a staple on its affiliate team. Johnson played 24 games for the Long Island Nets, averaged 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists, and showed some defensive prowess with 1.5 steals and one block.

Two of Johnson's best games throughout the season came in losses against the Portland Trail Blazers (March 16) and Toronto Raptors (April 12). He scored a career-high 17 points on 6-for-8 from the field and grabbed nine rebounds against the Trail Blazers. Johnson almost matched that performance with a 16-point, 13-rebound outing against the Raptors.

Brooklyn's Two-Way forward quickly contributed when he appeared on the court. He said the biggest key to finding his rhythm was being coachable.

"It's whatever I could do to help the team win," Johnson told reporters after the Trail Blazers' loss. "I'm just blessed to have the opportunity to play at the highest level of basketball. So, it's whatever coach (Fernández) wants me to do."

Although the Nets are in the driver's seat to retain Johnson in free agency, it doesn't mean he'll have a spot in the rotation. Brooklyn added three more rookies to its roster: Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6), Joshua Jefferson (No. 28) and Tyler Bilodeau (No. 43).

The five first-round picks from last year's draft are also on the team. Julius Randle was recently acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves, so Johnson has many players ahead of him.

Regardless, he is a part of the Nets' developmental system and has shown he can contribute at the NBA level.

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