The Atlanta Hawks have until Oct. 20, the day before the start of the NBA regular season, to sign Dyson Daniels to an extension. If he doesn't sign one before the season starts, he'll enter restricted free agency next summer, which wouldn't be a major concern, as the Hawks could match any offer sheet from an opposing team.
The issue, however, is that Atlanta should extend Daniels before the deadline, as his price could continue to rise, meaning the Hawks would have to pay more money to retain him next summer. His first season in Atlanta resulted in him winning the Most Improved Player award (also a DPOY finalist), and at 22, he'll only get better.
Look at the improvements he made in a single season after spending his first two years in New Orleans, after the Pelicans drafted him with the No. 8 overall pick in 2022. Daniels entered the league with a defensive reputation, but seemingly overnight, he turned into an elite defender in Atlanta. What was almost as impressive was the efficiency leap he made as a shooter.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report projected Daniels signing an extension in the four-year, $155 million range, which would've seemed bizarre a year ago, but not anymore.
Signing Dyson Daniels to an extension should be a priority
NBA teams must be more cautious than ever in making financial decisions about their future, given the harsh restrictions of the CBA. But the Hawks can afford to give Daniels the contract he deserves without straining their finances.
It's a deal that will actually age better than expected, given the trajectory Daniels is on. It could age better than the trade that landed Daniels in Atlanta in the first place. Apparently, the Pelicans enjoy giving the Hawks gifts. Locking Daniels down to a new deal will be the equivalent of the gift that keeps on giving.
The front office retooled the roster this offseason, adding players that complement Trae Young, who is due for an extension himself. Atlanta has a real shot to be a top team in the East, and could, at the very least, return to the semifinals for the first time since 2021. Young is the star of the show, but Daniels' impact is crucial to what the Hawks want to do.
The best way that Atlanta can show that is by extending him in the next couple of weeks.