The Atlanta Hawks solidified their belief in Jalen Johnson’s potential by committing to him with a five-year, $150 million rookie scale extension. After two relatively quiet seasons, Johnson’s breakout performance last year caught the attention of the team’s management.
General manager Landry Fields, who was instrumental in securing the deal, expressed full confidence in Johnson, largely due to the forward’s exceptional work ethic and commitment to growth.
Fields explained, “He’s competitive, he works his tail off and he’s willing to do what needs to be done in order to get better. For a lot of guys, that’s not always the case. But he embodies all of that.”
These characteristics, according to Fields, set Johnson apart from many other players in the league.
“When we get those types of players, we want to invest in them. So we’re happy and excited to invest in him for our future because we see a high ceiling for him,” Fields added, noting that Johnson’s dedication and growth mindset made him a long-term piece of the Hawks’ plans.
Johnson’s performance on the court last season demonstrated his ability to step into a larger role and his potential for continued growth, making the decision to extend him a natural one for the organization.
Reflecting on his new contract, Johnson expressed deep appreciation for the team’s faith in him.
“I mean, Atlanta is where I want to be. There’s nothing, no doubt about that. I feel like we’re building something really special here, and I want to be a part of it. So it meant a lot for, you know, them to want to get something done with me as well,” he said.
For Johnson, the extension not only provides financial security but also affirms his growing importance to the team. His passion for staying in Atlanta and helping build a strong future with the Hawks shows a player who has matured and developed both on and off the court.
After working hard to prove himself last season, Johnson is now poised to be a central figure in the Hawks’ plans as they continue to compete in a tough Eastern Conference.
Both the team and the player see a bright future together, with Johnson eager to contribute to something bigger and the Hawks excited to develop his potential even further.
Southeast Notes: Williams, Lee, Johnson, McClung https://t.co/2iM3hsKWiD pic.twitter.com/kwzELU6f5Q
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 23, 2024
