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Jalen Johnson got his deal just in time.
Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks agreed to a five-year, $150 million extension to his rookie contract on Monday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal, which doesn’t include any options, is fully guaranteed.
Johnson had a breakout campaign last season with the Hawks, who first selected him with the No. 20 overall pick out of Duke in 2021. He averaged 16 points and 8.7 rebounds, both of which were career highs in what was his first season as a true starter. He shot better than 51% from the field, too.
Johnson will be a key piece for the Hawks this season alongside star Trae Young and fellow big man Clint Capela. The Hawks went just 34-46 under first year head coach Quin Snyder last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Atlanta traded away Dejounte Murray in a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans in June, too, in exchange for multiple first-round draft picks and Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell and Dyson Daniels.
Johnson was one of several key players from the rookie class of 2021 to agree 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) all reached new deals.
The Hawks will open their season on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.