The Atlanta Hawks have reached a rookie contract extension with Jalen Johnson, solidifying their commitment to the talented forward after a standout performance in the 2023-24 season.
The specifics of the deal have not been disclosed by the Hawks, but reports suggest it is a five-year agreement valued at $150 million, coinciding with the start of Johnson’s fourth year in the league.

Originally drafted as the No. 20 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Johnson made a name for himself last season, showcasing impressive scoring and rebounding abilities, with averages of 16 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

General Manager Landry Fields expressed his enthusiasm for Johnson, stating, “Jalen Johnson represents the values we prioritize as an organization, both on and off the court.”
He noted Johnson’s consistent improvement and acknowledged his strong character and work ethic, which have been instrumental in his development.

Injuries have posed challenges, as Johnson missed 14 games in December due to a wrist injury; however, he rebounded to start 52 games, a significant increase compared to only six starts in his preceding two seasons.
His scoring average saw remarkable growth from just 5.6 points per game in his second season.

With this extension, Johnson joins fellow cornerstone players Trae Young and Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall draft pick of this year, as the foundational assets for the Hawks, especially in light of their recent decision to trade guard Dejounte Murray.