Who is Keshad Johnson? Everything to know about 2026 Slam Dunk Contest winner

NBA fans were well-familiar with Saturday's 3-Point Contest victor, Damian Lillard. Not only was he a multi-time winner of that event, but he's made plenty of All-Star appearances as one of the game's premiere guards of the last two decades.

The Dunk Contest champion, however, may need a bit more of an introduction.

Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson hoisted the Julius “Dr. J” Erving trophy, awarded to the Dunk Contest winner, after beating out San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the event on Saturday night. From his dunks to his dance moves, Johnson made a strong impression on fans, despite a limited track record in the league to this point.

Here's everything to know about Johnson, the newest Dunk Contest winner.

MORE: Full results, scores from the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest

Who is Keshad Johnson?

Keshad Johnson is a second-year forward for the Heat who was initially on a two-way contract with Miami, then inked a standard deal in December 2024. He went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Johnson has made 21 appearances for the Heat this season as a backup forward playing limited minutes. Standing at 6-foot-7 at 24 years old, Johnson, a native of Oakland, California, is known for his athleticism — hence his invitation to the Dunk Contest.

In Saturday's event, Johnson had four strong dunks to beat Bryant for the trophy, but he also made an impression on fans for his constant dance moves and energy throughout the night.

Keshad Johnson is the NBA Slam Dunk champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/5vPvqycV8a

Where did Keshad Johnson go to college?

Keshad Johnson went to two colleges. First, he played at San Diego State from 2019-23, averaging 7.7 points and five rebounds per game in his senior season, when the Aztecs reached the Final Four.

He then decided to utilize his year of extra eligibility, transferring to Arizona. In his lone season with the Wildcats, Johnson averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

MORE: Full results from the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest

Keshad Johnson dunk highlights

Prior to the Dunk Contest, Johnson was already known for his length and athleticism around the rim. He's had some impressive in-game dunks:

The Dunk Contest then gave Johnson a platform to pull out some of his best tricks, with four dunks on the night.

His first dunk was a leap over Miami icon E-40, with one hand on his head and the other on the ball.

Johnson's second dunk was an impressive reverse jam, and he once again hit a dance move afterward:

Johnson's best score of the night came on Dunk 3 in the Finals. He came from underneath the backboard for a quick, between-the-legs throw-down.

The cherry on top for Johnson was a running windmill from just inside the free-throw line, which was enough to beat Bryant for the trophy:

Keshad Johnson NBA stats

Johnson hasn't yet claimed a significant role with the Heat, but over 37 career appearances, he has been able to occasionally flash his bounce and rim-rocking ability.

Here are his NBA stats to date:

MORE: How does the NBA All-Star Game format work in 2026?

How much does Keshad Johnson make?

Johnson is currently on a two-year, $2.68 million deal with the Heat that makes him an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season, per Spotrac.

This season alone, he has carried a cap hit of $1,955,377.

MORE: How much did Keshad Johnson make by winning the Dunk Contest?