On deadline day for rookies entering their fourth season to reach a contract extension before hitting restricted free agency next offseason, the Atlanta Hawks inked a massive five-year, $150 million extension with forward Jalen Johnson.
Atlanta Hawks and forward Jalen Johnson have reached a deal on a five-year, $150 million extension, CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul tells me. pic.twitter.com/jeXfgzFFKQ
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 21, 2024
Jalen Johnson experienced a breakout campaign in year three under Quin Snyder, averaging 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. It was his first season as a full-time starter after seeing minimal action in his first two seasons, and there’s a feeling around the organization that he’s just scratching the surface of his full potential.
For the last several years, the Hawks have been searching for that second piece of the puzzle next to star point guard Trae Young. At first, the hope was that John Collins could be that guy, but he eventually fizzled out and was traded to the Jazz. The Hawks also brought in Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Spurs, but the fit between him and Young was always an odd one, and it worked out on the floor even worse than a lot of people might have initially expected.
But with Jalen Johnson, the potential feels a lot more real. He’s far more talented than John Collins ever was and is a perfect complement to Trae Young because of his athleticism, finishing ability, size, and improved jump shot. Johnson’s ability as a playmaker is also massively underrated and something that could be a much larger focal point of the Hawks offense now that Dejounte Murray is in New Orleans.
$30 million a year for a player that has yet to make an All-Star team may seem like silly business, but that’s just the going rate for a decent NBA player these days. It won’t be long before the top guys around the league are sniffing $100 million per year, and Johnson’s contract may actually look like one of the best bargains in the NBA in a few years. This is a fantastic deal for the Hawks, and one that’s better to get done now than wait until next offseason when other teams can get involved.
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Photographer: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
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