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Will Hawks Get Contract Extension Done With Defensive Star?

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Dyson Daniels burst onto the scene in his first season with the Atlanta Hawks. He put up numerous historical defensive numbers, finishing on the All-Defensive First team and second in Defensive Player of the Year. Daniels also took home the Most Improved Player (MIP) award, displaying a big jump on the offensive side of the ball. All these attributes show a promising sign for the 22-year-old. However, Daniels’ rookie contract ends after the 2025-26 campaign, when he enters restricted free agency. Can he and the Hawks agree to a rookie-scale contract extension to keep him in Atlanta for years to come?

Will Hawks Get Contract Extension Done With Defensive Star?

Daniels’ Breakout Season on Both Ends

Daniels certainly earned himself more money after last season’s monumental improvement across the board. He averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a whopping 3.0 steals per game. He became the first player since Alvin Robertson in the 1990-91 campaign to collect at least three steals per contest. Daniels recorded 229 swipes on the season, finishing first by a landslide. The next closest player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, had 131 steals on the season. The Australian racked up these numbers both on and off the ball, giving opponents’ best perimeter scorers fits on the regular.

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Daniels significantly improved his offensive production. He jumped from 22.3 minutes to 33.8 per game and from 5.8 points to 14.1 per contest across the last two seasons. The 6-foot-8 guard’s outside shot was a big question mark coming into the 2022 NBA Draft. However, he improved his three-point efficiency and volume in Atlanta, averaging a career-high 34% on an average of 3.1 attempts from deep last season. Daniels enhanced his skill set on both ends, making it hard for the Hawks to envision a future without their young star.

Can Daniels and the Hawks Agree to a Contract Extension?

Atlanta certainly wants to keep Daniels after the 22-year-old’s breakout campaign, but finances could get in the way. Daniels is set to make $7.7 million in the final season of his rookie contract. Regardless of whether he signs a rookie-scale extension or elects for free agency, he will make a lot more money. However, he likely leaves more cash on the table if both parties reach an extension.

If Daniels thinks the Hawks’ offer is too low, he will likely bet on himself and enter restricted free agency next summer. However, there are always risks associated with this decision. Unexpected significant injuries can derail his plans for a big payday. Daniels’ production could also dip in 2025-26, whether due to the Hawks’ summer acquisitions or a healthy Jalen Johnson returning to the court. Though he made strides offensively last season, his outside shooting, ball handling, and ability to finish through contact remain areas of concern. If these scenarios arise or he does not improve, Daniels could regret declining Atlanta’s offer.

On the other hand, the Hawks want to secure their lockdown defender but for the right price. An Atlanta front office executive told Spotrac’s Keith Smith about their goal of extending Daniels.

 “I think we can get a deal done with Dyson. Both sides want to. He’s been a perfect fit next to Trae (Young) because they complement each other well.”

The Hawks must commit to Daniels, coming off an impressive 2024-25 campaign, to secure him for the future. At 22 years of age, he still has plenty of room to grow, and any four- or five-year deal will likely increase in value as he gets closer to his prime. However, it will not be an easy number to swallow based on possible offensive limitations.

Both parties have big decisions to make heading into a promising 2025-26 season.

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