Signing Dyson Daniels to a contract extension is one of the most critical tasks for the Hawks' front office next season, alongside Trae Young’s inevitable max contract extension. The backcourt has gone on to form an excellent tandem during their first season together. It was a miracle for the Hawks, as they had struggled to find Young a proper running mate over the last few years.
Their symbiotic relationship resulted in Young leading the league in assists and Daniels leading the league in steals. Both are now extension-eligible, and both contracts will account for a significant percentage of their total salary. Young is set to earn a $229 million extension, and Jabari Smith Jr’s recent five-year $122 million extension has people wondering about Daniels’ price range.
Smith Jr. didn’t improve drastically from his previous two seasons in Houston, yet Rockets General Manager, Rafael Stone, still felt strongly enough to offer Jabari a long-term deal. He secured generational wealth, averaging 12.2 points, seven rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. Daniels became a breakout star for the Hawks this year and took home the Most Improved Player award.
The 22-year-old was the youngest member of the All-Defensive First team and led the league in steals with 3.0 per game. His scoring prowess also took a massive leap this season with 14 points per game, and his improvements have earned him a gigantic upcoming payday.
After Smith Jr.'s extension, what is Daniels' price?
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report projects Daniels to receive a 3-year, $94 million extension from the Hawks. It would be ideal for the Hawks as they prepare for Young’s deal. All of the Hawks are on team-friendly contracts, and their loyalty to one another has helped construct a contender with incredible youth.
Once Daniels signs, his usage is expected to increase even further alongside Young. He can easily average 16-17 points per game this season, and true two-way stars are a rarity in the modern era of the NBA. He has the ceiling of an All-Star with his defensive abilities alone, so he’ll become something truly special as he improves his offense.
He’s already developed amazing chemistry with the core, and securing his spot on the roster changes the trajectory of the ‘Trae Young era’. Along with Young and Johnson, the trio could become a ‘big three’ in Atlanta. Johnson has risen to the All-Star level, and Young has already proven himself with four appearances.
The young Australian was the missing piece in the Hawks' hierarchy, and his defensive pressure will be amplified with Nickeil Alexander-Walker by his side for the future. GM Onsi Saleh sent a message when he spent $62 million to sign Walker, so there’s no doubt that contract negotiations with Daniels will be successful.