Kofi Inkoom
The Atlanta Hawks have officially exercised their team options for the 2024/25 season on forward Jalen Johnson and guard AJ Griffin, as confirmed in a team statement.
These moves were widely anticipated due to the reasonable cost of Johnson’s and Griffin’s options for the ’24/25 season.
Johnson’s fourth-year option comes in at $4,510,905, while Griffin is set to earn $3,889,920 in his third NBA season. Both players’ salaries are now guaranteed.
Jalen Johnson, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday in December, established himself as a regular contributor for Atlanta in the 2022/23 season, averaging 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 14.9 minutes per game across 70 appearances.
His role is expected to expand this upcoming season following the trade of John Collins during the offseason.
The decision to exercise Johnson’s fourth-year option gives the Hawks the flexibility to negotiate a rookie scale extension with him next summer.
If an extension isn’t reached, the former Duke standout will become eligible for restricted free agency in 2025.
On the other hand, AJ Griffin had a promising rookie season, putting up 8.9 points per game in 72 games.
Also coming from Duke, the 20-year-old has a fourth-year option valued at $5,967,137 for the 2025/26 season. The Hawks will need to make a decision on this option by the end of October next year.