Dyson Daniels Secures Four-Year Contract Extension with Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have officially signed guard Dyson Daniels to a four-year, $100 million contract extension. This significant deal comes just before the deadline for rookie-scale contract extensions. General manager Onsi Saleh expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, stating the organization looks forward to Daniels’ continued development and impact on the team.
Contract Details and Significance
Dyson Daniels’ extension reflects the Hawks’ confidence in his abilities both now and in the future. Having been recognized as the KIA Most Improved Player and making the All-Defensive First Team in the 2024-25 season, Daniels is seen as a crucial part of the team’s strategy moving forward.
Performance Highlights
- Most Improved Player: Recognized for his exceptional progress during the season.
- All-Defensive First Team: Acknowledged for his outstanding defensive skills.
- Defensive Player of the Year Runner-Up: A testament to his elite defensive prowess.
Last season, Daniels finished with 229 steals, a landmark achievement that set the Hawks’ franchise record. This total marked the highest single-season steals tally since Gary Payton in 1995-96. Additionally, he averaged an impressive 3.01 steals per game, the first player since Alvin Robertson in 1990-91 to reach this average. He also led the league with 443 deflections.
Scoring and Overall Contributions
In addition to his defensive accolades, Daniels contributed significantly to the Hawks offensively. He averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game during the last season, showcasing his well-rounded game.
Background and Team Future
Originally selected as the eighth pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Daniels was acquired by the Hawks from the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2024, in a trade involving Dejounte Murray. His previous experience in Australia and consistent improvement over three NBA seasons have established him as a key figure alongside notable teammates like Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and the 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher.
The Hawks’ investment in Daniels signals their commitment to building a competitive team centered around young, talented players.
