Insider sheds light on 'predicament' around Jalen Johnson's future with Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have just over 48 hours to finalize an agreement with fourth-year forward Jalen Johnson on a contract extension. If the deadline passes, the two sides will be restricted from negotiating again until after the season according to league rules.

Speculation about Johnson’ final number has been more prevalent than anything about the Hawks not paying, though that to exists.

Still, it is Johnson’s end game that remains a mystery.

NBA insider Jake Fischer compared Johnson’s ongoing situation to that of Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick of Johnson’s (No. 20) draft class in 2021. Fischer notes that the Warriors are fine letting Kuminga force their hand.

“Jalen Johnson faces a similar predicament in Atlanta,” Fischer posted on Threads on October 18. “Although there’s far more optimism around the NBA that the Hawks will find an agreement north of $30 million in average annual salary for Johnson. That is the beginning of the ballpark this Duke product’s representation at Klutch Sports is said to be searching for.”

Fischer has previously spoken about what Johnson could seek in negotiations, noting that the Hawks have some leverage. For one, Johnson will be a restricted free agent.

Still, Fischer’s previous intel put Johnson’s sights expectedly high.

Hawks rumors: Jalen Johnson seeking max contract

“[A max contract extension], according to my information, is what Jalen Johnson is hoping for with the Hawks in his extension, and what Klutch Sports should be asking for as well. That's just what good agenting is,” Fischer said on the “No Cap Room” podcast on August 7.

“The Hawks made basically everyone available for trade since February besides him. So of course you're going to be thinking, ‘Well, then pay me that way.’ But the guy has had his own injury history, hasn't put together a full season yet. For all the promise that made me want to fly down to Atlanta and profile him … it's going to be a prove-it year in terms of dollar figure for him as well.”

A maximum rookie extension for Johnson would be $224 million over five years. 

Getting a deal done before Johnson takes the floor in 2024-25 – potentially taking another leap forward – could save the Hawks millions in the long run. And it could make sense for Johnson.

“Factor in a 2025 offseason where only the Brooklyn Nets are projected to have more than $30 million in cap space, and there's a reason a growing number of young players are willing to lock in guaranteed money in an extension amid the heavy restrictions facing teams via the new apron rules in the collective bargaining agreement,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote on October 17.

Whether or not the uber-talented Johnson falls into that category remains to be seen. The early signs would suggest he is not, though he is also well aware of his injury history which has been seen as one of the Hawks’ strongest arguments.

Waiting could allow Johnson to reach some (unlikely) heights.

It is a gamble both sides increasingly appear willing to take as the deadline approaches and little in the way of actual movement being reported.

The Hawks have a strong track record of getting deals done with their first-round picks. That has often led to drawn-out processes that left some players – really, just John Collins – put off. But the early bet is for the Hawks and Johnson to come to terms on a new deal.