Although the past few years haven’t been that great for the Atlanta Hawks, Jalen Johnson’s performance has stood out as one of the few bright spots. This has led to rumors swirling around that the talented forward will soon land a lucrative contract to extend his stint with the team.
Johnson is gaining recognition as the top breakout prospect in the NBA, particularly for the Hawks, as he prepares for his fourth season. Analysts highlight Johnson’s unique skill set as a self-creating wing, capable of scoring, passing, and defending at a high level. After a challenging start, where he played only 22 games in his rookie year, Johnson emerged as a two-way player, averaging 16 points per game last season.
With the Hawks looking to improve, Johnson is expected to elevate his scoring to over 20 points per game while maintaining his efficiency. His chemistry with All-Star point guard Trae Young is set to strengthen, especially after the departure of Dejounte Murray, which allows Johnson to thrive as a key offensive option. The addition of players like Dyson Daniels and 2024 top pick Zaccharie Risacher will also help lighten his defensive load, providing him with the support needed to focus on his scoring.
As Johnson continues to develop, he is poised to make a significant impact for Atlanta. His defensive capabilities and offensive potential make him a likely candidate for the Most Improved Player award if the Hawks perform well this season. With only 3,051 minutes logged in his career, there’s still ample room for growth.
The upcoming season could see him not only solidify his role as a starter but also enter conversations for All-Star recognition, showcasing his importance in the modern NBA landscape as a versatile two-way player. Fans are eager to see how Johnson will harness this potential and help propel the Hawks forward.
Atlanta Hawks Forward Jalen Johnson Projected To Get $30 Million Per Year Contract
As it stands, Johnson is predicted to be locked in by the Hawks via a new contract soon. According to Bleacher Report’s Taylyn Hadley, the forward’s new deal is a done deal.
“The NBA is approaching its 15-man roster deadline for the 2024-2025 season on Monday, and several teams have some big decisions to make and money to spend.
Atlanta Hawks small forward Jalen Johnson is approaching the deadline of his rookie contract extension and according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there is “optimism around the NBA” that the Hawks and Johnson will find an agreement of at least a $30 million average annual salary prior to the deadline,” Hadley wrote.
Johnson is generating excitement as he approaches a potential contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks. NBA insiders report optimism that Johnson could secure a deal averaging at least $30 million annually before the deadline. The 2021 first-round pick has shown significant improvement, averaging 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 51% from the field.
His impressive preseason performance, which included averages of 16.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, further underscores his potential. If this momentum continues, Johnson may well solidify his future with the Hawks and become a key player in their lineup.
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