Hawks Lock Up Rising Star Dyson Daniels with Four-Year, $100 million Extension
ATLANTA – Dyson Daniels has agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks, his agent, Daniel Moldovan of Lighthouse Sports management, confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. The deal secures the future of one of the NBA‘s most dynamic young two-way players and signals a notable investment in the Hawks’ core.
The extension arrives after a breakout 2023-24 season for Daniels, where he established himself as a defensive force and rapidly improved offensive contributor. This contract reflects not only his current impact but also the Hawks’ belief in his continued development as a cornerstone of their franchise alongside Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and recent No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.
Daniels, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, experienced a significant leap in his second year, averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a league-leading 3.0 steals per game.He became the first player as alvin Robertson in 1990-91 to average at least three steals per game, showcasing a defensive prowess that earned him recognition as the NBA’s Most Improved Player and a runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned a spot on the First Team All-Defense.
The Hawks acquired Daniels and a first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2024 in exchange for Dejounte Murray. The pairing of daniels’ defensive intensity with Young’s offensive brilliance has quickly proven effective, contributing to Atlanta’s early-season success.
Daniels’ remarkable ability to generate steals – he recorded 229 last season, the most by any player as Gary Payton in 1995-96 – has quickly made him a fan favorite and a key component of the hawks’ defensive identity. The extension ensures that Atlanta retains a vital piece of its present and future as it aims to contend in the Eastern Conference.
