Jalen Johnson got his deal just in time.
Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks agreed to a five-year, $150 million extension of his rookie contract on Monday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal, which does not include options, is fully guaranteed.
Johnson had a breakout season last season with the Hawks, who first selected him with the 20th overall pick out of Duke in 2021. He averaged 16 points and 8.7 rebounds, which were career highs in which he It was his first season as a true starter. He also shot better than 51% from the field.
Johnson will be a key piece for the Hawks this season alongside star Trae Young and teammate Clint Capela. The Hawks went 34-46 under first-year head coach Quin Snyder last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Atlanta also traded Dejounte Murray in a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans in June, in exchange for multiple firsts. round draft picks and Larry Nance Jr., EJ Liddell and Dyson Daniels.
Johnson was one of several key players from the 2021 rookie class who agreed to a new contract extension before Monday’s deadline. Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner (Magic), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Jalen Green (Rockets), Evan Mobley (Cavaliers), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Moses Moody (Warriors) and Trey Murphy III (Pelicans) have agreed to new deals.
The Hawks will open their season on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.