The Atlanta Hawks missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season and currently own the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Furthermore, they have yet to win a playoff series since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. Due to their recent shortcomings, the Hawks are expected to clean house and re-tool their roster. For months, guards Dejounte Murray and Trae Young have appeared in trade rumors. Additionally, recent reports have indicated that the Hawks will likely move on from starting center Clint Capela. As it stands, it seems like everyone is up for grabs on Atlanta’s roster. And according to Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN, this is (almost) the case. Givony and Woo mention that forward Jalen Johnson seems “to be the only player the Hawks will not consider moving.”
“They simultaneously have decisions to make with players already on their roster, especially Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, who seem destined to part ways in the not-too-distant future. The New Orleans Pelicans loom as a potential destination for one of them, with Brandon Ingram the most attractive and attainable target on the Pels’ roster. Jalen Johnson appears to be the only player the Hawks will not consider moving.”
REPORT: Atlanta Hawks Consider Just One Player Untouchable
Jalen Johnson Broke Out Last Season
The Hawks drafted Johnson with the No. 20 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. In his first two seasons with the team, he started a total of six games in 92 appearances. During this time, he averaged 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. However, despite a slow start to his career, Johnson emerged during his third NBA season. Last season, Johnson started 52 games and appeared in 56 games. During the season, he averaged 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. All these numbers are career highs. Furthermore, he shot 51.1% from the field and a career-best 35.5% from beyond the arc. Additionally, he is already a good defender and will likely improve as time goes on.
Jalen Johnson BROKE OUT during his third season with the @atlhawks! ⭐️
The former @cpskyhawks star averaged a career-high 16.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG on 51% FG. Jalen had seven games of 25+ PTS and dropped his first career triple-double vs. the Pistons. pic.twitter.com/gZHuHwptDT
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) June 2, 2024
Amidst his breakout season, Johnson spoke about his versatility and what he provides on the court.
“I watch a lot of guys who do everything,” Johnson told Yahoo Sports. “That’s my mindset. I don’t want to have there be a lapse of why I can’t finish out a game. I want to be at least solid in every department, whatever that may be. And then eventually just keep building on that, just keep adding bits and pieces.”
The Last Word on Jalen Johnson
The 22-year-old has improved each year of his career so far and should only continue to get better. Johnson has just one year remaining on his contract before becoming a restricted free agent next summer. As it is, it seems likely the Hawks will extend him sooner rather than later.
