Rival teams laud Hawks for deadline-beating $150 million decision

It was most likely an easy decision for the Atlanta Hawks, but one that still had significant ramifications depending on the outcome.

The Hawks re-signed fourth-year forward Jalen Johnson to a five-year, $150 million contract extension just ahead of the deadline to do so – October 21 – breathing a sigh of relief into the organization.

What’s more, it drew telling reactions from rival front offices around the Association.

“The Hawks got their five-year, $150 million deal with Johnson submitted to the league office in the final minutes before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline, sources said. The deal came together only after Jalen Suggs reached a similar deal with the Orlando Magic,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst wrote on October 25. 

“The teams were willing to boost their offers slightly on the final day to get the deals done, sources said. In Atlanta, there was relief within the organization that it was able to get the high-upside Johnson into a five-year deal without a player option, sources said.”

Coming off a season in which Johnson experienced significant leaps in several statistical categories, the Hawks were wise to get a deal done before he progressed further.

They were also wise – and perhaps fortunate – they were able to structure the deal as they did.

Jalen Johnson's contract structure 'stood out' to rival scouts & executives

“What stood out to opposing scouts and executives I talked to was the structure of Johnson's deal,” ESPN’s Tim Bontemps wrote in the article. “With the salary cap set to escalate by as much as 10% for the next several seasons with the new television deal starting in 2025-26, having a contract that stays flat (Johnson will earn $30 million each of the next five years) or descends (Suggs will earn $26.7 million in the 2029-30 season) was applauded by rival teams, with the expectation that both players will outperform those contracts down the road.”

ESPN’s Bobby Marks considered Johnson the Hawks’ next biggest priority after they traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. Conversations about Johnson’s potential deal ranged from $125 million to the $150 million that he ultimately received.

Another season could have seen that pricepoint skyrocket, especially if what Johnson showed in the loss to the Wizards is indeed a sign of what is to come consistently.

That is the final step in Johnson cementing himself as one of the best young players.

He has flashed the skill set and displayed the proper mindset and approach. He just has to stay on the floor so that he can put it all together. It makes sense, then, that Hawks general manager Landry Fields and Co. would receive praise for locking him in.