TITLE: Atlantic Division Roundup: Nets Land Ellis; Johnson, Graves and Philon Shine in Las Vegas
SLUG: atlantic-division-roundup-ellis-johnson-graves-philon
CONTENT:
Brooklyn brings in Keon Ellis
The Nets have signed free-agent guard Keon Ellis to a two-year, $18 million contract that includes a mutual option for the 2027/28 season. Ellis, 26, reunites with Brooklyn’s new head coach Jordi Fernández, who worked with the Alabama product during his first two seasons in Sacramento.
“Coach Fernández really pushed for me,” Ellis said. “He’s passionate, he wants to win, and that familiarity made the decision easier.” The 6’4″ wing believes his three-and-D skill set fits what Brooklyn needs and noted that the club’s financial commitment underscored its interest.
Nets Two-Way Forward Impresses
Brooklyn’s Chaney Johnson is turning heads in Summer League action. The 6’7″ undrafted swingman has been deployed as a small-ball center, averaging 15.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals while shooting 64.7% from the field, 66.7% from three and 85.7% at the line over four games split between the California Classic and Las Vegas (28.8 minutes per contest).
Assistant coach Dutch Gaitley called Johnson “an outstanding teammate” who will take on any role the team needs. Johnson, who went undrafted out of Auburn in 2025, signed a two-year two-way deal with Brooklyn last December.
Graves Debuts for Raptors
Toronto first-rounder Allen Graves opened Summer League play with 22 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks in an overtime loss to Boston. The former Santa Clara forward said his basketball IQ allows him to “adapt at an elite level” and impact the game in multiple ways, whether by crashing the glass, hitting threes or diving on loose balls.
Philon’s Early Production for Sixers
Philadelphia rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr., another late first-round selection, is averaging 21.0 points, 6.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal through two contests in Las Vegas. After Thursday’s win, the Alabama product said he is focused on proving he can “compete with the same mentality” that defined his college career.
The Nets’ offseason addition and the strong showings from Johnson, Graves and Philon highlight an eventful start to Summer League for the Atlantic Division.
Source: Hoops Rumors
