Jalen Wilson couldn't be more proud of his young career win as he was able to secure a long-term contract from the Brooklyn Nets. From being on a two-way deal, the rookie forward had himself a raise as the Nets granted him a three-year contract last week.
The deal is fully guaranteed for the rest of this season, partially guaranteed for 2024-25 and is on a team option in 2025-26 as revealed by HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The contract is worth nearly $5M in total value.
“Emotions were kind of all over the place,” Wilson said. “This is something I’ve been working really hard for… It means a lot. This is the birthplace of my professional career, so it’s pretty cool to see how valuable people feel I am. Just a blessing to be here.”
A talented asset for the Nets
Wilson, 23, entered the league as the Nets' 51st overall pick in last year's draft. The Kansas Jayhawks standout eventually inked a two-way deal back in July and went on to become an important piece of the team's bench mob.
For 22 games of play thus far this season, he is averaging 4.9 points and 2.5 boards while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. His numbers are even greater as a member of Brooklyn's G League Team, Long Island Nets, in which he is recording team highs 19 points and 7.7 boards to go with 3.6 assists for 11 appearances.
A well-deserved contract conversion
Other than being a young and serviceable wingman who can be relied on for plenty of on-court exposure, the Nets surely saw the potential within Wilson to become a promising young piece. More than being an insurance unit, the former Jayhawks sensation stands as an intriguing player who is capably ready to contribute.
As such, Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie has no doubts about why the franchise elevated their commitment to the first-year forward.
“Just a constant professional,” Ollie said.
“Get in the gym early, leave late, all those different things that everybody says, but they’re true. Always in the lab, working on his game, perfecting his game, open to coaching. And just a great role model. Yeah, he’s young, but he’s a leader. And we see those qualities in him, we see the leadership in him and he’s just going to continue to develop because he’s open for learning and he’s eager for learning. We want him to continue to do that. It’s great to have him in our organization on a multi-year deal.”
More must-reads: