Atlanta Hawks Sign Jalen Johnson to Massive $150 Million Contract Extension

The Atlanta Hawks have secured a significant commitment from one of their young stars, forward Jalen Johnson, with a five-year, $150 million rookie contract extension. This deal, announced on October 21, 2024, was confirmed by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Johnson’s representative, Lucas Newton, according to ESPN.

This extension is a major investment in Johnson, who has shown promising potential despite a career marked by injuries. Johnson, a first-round pick from the 2021 NBA Draft, had a breakout season in 2023-24 before it was cut short by wrist and ankle injuries. However, he has rebounded strongly, impressing during the preseason with improved efficiency from beyond the arc.

The deal surpasses the four-year, $114 million contract signed by All-Star Dejounte Murray in 2023 and positions Johnson as one of the highest-paid players on the Hawks, second only to Trae Young. This extension was finalized just before the Monday, October 21, 6 PM ET deadline for rookie-scale contract extensions, avoiding the possibility of Johnson becoming a restricted free agent in 2025.

Johnson’s performance in training camp and the exhibition season has been particularly noteworthy, with sources indicating he has been the Hawks’ most impressive player. This new contract reflects the team’s confidence in his future contributions and solidifies his position as a cornerstone player for the franchise.