Rising Star Jalen Johnson Secures $150 Million Extension with Atlanta Hawks
In a major move, the Atlanta Hawks have locked down forward Jalen Johnson with a five-year, $150 million rookie contract extension. The deal, announced by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and representative Lucas Newton, solidifies Johnson’s position as a key player for the franchise.
A Breakout Season
Johnson’s impressive third season in the NBA was a major factor in securing his new contract. The 20th pick in the 2021 draft out of Duke averaged 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 3-pointers per game, making him one of the most productive players in the league. Notably, he is just one of six players in NBA history to achieve such impressive stats before turning 23.
A Significant Improvement
Johnson’s growth from his first two seasons has been remarkable. After averaging just 5.5 and 14.9 minutes per game in his first two years, he made a significant leap, increasing his playing time and scoring average dramatically. In fact, his jump from 5.6 points in 2022-23 to 16 points last season was the second-largest increase among players with at least 50 games under their belt.
Transition Terror
The 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward has proven to be particularly effective in transition, boasting a 66% shooting percentage that ranks eighth best among players with 120 or more attempts. This skillset has made him a valuable asset to the Hawks, and his new contract reflects his importance to the team.
A Bright Future Ahead
With his new contract in place, Johnson is poised to continue his upward trajectory and play a key role in the Hawks’ future success. As one of the most promising young players in the league, fans can expect big things from this talented forward in the years to come.
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