MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 16: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks warms up against the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 16, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images)Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images

NBA Rumors: 'Optimism' Jalen Johnson Will Land $30M AAV Contract with Hawks

Taylyn HadleyOct 19, 2024

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.

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Johnson is facing the same deadline as other NBA rising stars such as the Golden State Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, as well as the Chicago Bulls' Josh Giddey.

"It's going to be an interesting weekend," one NBA Agent told Fischer on Friday night.

Johnson was chosen by the Hawks in the 2021 NBA Draft with the No. 20 overall pick. He has averaged 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game with Atlanta while shooting 51 percent from the field.

The Hawks and Johnson will open their season on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets at home.