Hawks extend F Jalen Johnson, reportedly for $150M

Hawks extend F Jalen Johnson, reportedly for $150M

The Atlanta Hawks signed forward Jalen Johnson to a multi-year contract extension on Monday.The team did not disclose the deal's terms, but ESPN reported the extension is for five years and $150 mi

The Atlanta Hawks signed forward Jalen Johnson to a multi-year contract extension on Monday.

The team did not disclose the deal’s terms, but ESPN reported the extension is for five years and $150 million — fully guaranteed.

“Jalen Johnson embodies the characteristics we look for as an organization, both on and off the court,” Hawks general manager Landry Fields said in a statement. “He has shown continuous improvement each year and has the character and the work ethic to continue to grow his game. He has developed into a significant part of our team and we’re thrilled to continue his development in Atlanta.”

Johnson, 22, was the 20th overall NBA draft pick in 2021. In his three years in the league, he has averaged 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in 148 games (58 starts).

His leap from his second to third seasons was especially notable. Johnson was primarily a bench player who averaged 14.9 minutes per game as a sophomore before taking on a starting forward role in 2023-24. His output exploded from 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game to 16.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last year, as he averaged 33.7 minutes over 56 games (52 starts). He also shot a career-best 35.5 percent from 3-point range.

Monday was the deadline for 2021 NBA Draft alumni to sign rookie-scale contract extensions.