Atlanta extends and locks up its young core player.
Just after the 6 PM EDT rookie contract extension deadline, we finally received the report we had been waiting for all offseason. In advance of restricted free agency in 2025, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Atlanta Hawks and Jalen Johnson have agreed on a five-year, $150 million contract extension that will keep Johnson locked up until 2030.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has agreed to a five-year, $150 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and representative Lucas Newton told ESPN. Major new deal for Atlanta’s young cornerstone. pic.twitter.com/bzlK7SCQNg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
With an average annual value of $30 million per year, this is more than $10 million per year below the maximum amount that was allowable for rising fourth-year players the likes of Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes received much earlier in the offseason.
After being drafted 20th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Johnson had a major breakout season in 2023-24, averaging 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Johnson did struggle with multiple ankle turns and a fractured wrist last season, something that limited him to just 56 appearances out of a possible 83 games between the regular season and the Play-In Tournament.
This deal looks like a win for both sides as the Hawks lock up their promising young player for the maximum amount of years and Johnson secures the bag.