The Atlanta Hawks will have to pay Dyson Daniels $30 million per year if they want to get an extension done, and the franchise only has themselves to blame after giving Jalen Johnson a five-year $150 million contract in October 2024. John Hollinger projected Daniels’ value in that range (subscription required), and the guard knows the Hawks are not afraid to give that type of money to a young talent with potential. That will certainly be Daniels' bargaining position.
Fans will be shocked by the final numbers, but shouldn’t be. Johnson had just one standout season before he got his extension. Daniels just broke out in year three, where he won Most Improved Player and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. The two are taking the same trajectory, which means things will quickly get expensive.
The Hawks’ new front office may try to flip the narrative, but it won’t be easy after an incredible season from the 22-year-old guard. He is the perfect fit next to Trae Young, and fans should expect him to be even better in his second season in Atlanta.
Hawks screwed themselves in Dyson Daniels extension talks
Daniels was a key piece of the Dejounte Murray trade return. The 6’8 guard struggled to nail down a consistent role in his first two NBA seasons. He averaged just 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 20.0 minutes per game with the Pelicans. Atlanta made him a starter, and the 22-year-old instantly blossomed.
There is no way he would be getting this massive contract if he stayed in New Orleans. The Hawks' increasing his playing time and accentuating his strengths earned Daniels a lot of money.
The 22-year-old still has room to grow. He is already an elite defender with a blossoming offensive game. The payday is coming from some team, and the Hawks have to cultivate this relationship to keep Daniels through his prime.
He will want a five-year $150 million extension, and Atlanta can't argue against it. They paid Jalen Johnson and clearly value Daniels. Every team is counting each penny in the second apron era. The Hawks’ roster gets a lot more expensive after this deal, but that is no reason to deny Daniels' request. If they view him as a building block, the 6’8 guard should get the extension.
The Atlanta Hawks have several franchise-altering decisions to make over the next year. Trae Young can be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard will return to the market, but Dyson Daniels' extension may be the most important call. The Hawks are giving this roster a chance to contend. Their success will determine how all this plays out. It is really a make-or-break year in Atlanta, so don’t miss it.