The Atlanta Hawks have just five days to extend Dyson Daniels before free agency. While he would only be a restricted free agent this offseason, allowing Daniels the opportunity to impress further could prove costly for the team.
Daniels captured the attention of the nation last season when he immediately became a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber player after being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans. He shattered all expectations, not just for himself but for how impactful a perimeter defender could be in the modern NBA.
As the deadline for an extension draws closer, GM Onsi Saleh must prioritize extending Daniels over all else. Like every contract decision, there is inherent risk involved in a long-term deal with the 2025 Most Improved Player. Daniels’ shooting has been a looming concern that could prove to be a major obstacle in Atlanta’s playoff ambitions, and it is unlikely he will have as statistically impressive of a season as last year.
Nonetheless, the risk of allowing the contract to influence Daniels and the team outweighs the chance that his last season was a fluke.
Pay the man
Generally speaking, wing defenders are viewed as less valuable than rim protectors. While perimeter defense is certainly important, the volume of opportunities rim protectors have to impact the game makes it the most important defensive role.
Daniels is a rare defender whose individual brilliance allows him to shatter the glass ceiling over perimeter defenders, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. He tallied the highest steals per game mark in over 30 years and placed first in deflections per game. This wasn't a close race either, as Daniels finished with 38% more deflections than the second-place Kelly Oubre Jr.
Daniels’ offense represents the most significant concern for his contract outlook. A 31.2% shooter from deep in New Orleans, Daniels took a noteworthy leap last season to reach 34.0%. However, Daniels also shot the highest proportion of open threes across the league last season. In the postseason, where wide-open shots are few and far between, Daniels’ shooting struggles could limit the flow of Atlanta’s offense.
Regardless of his offensive struggles, Daniels is the best shooting guard in the world to pair with Trae Young. With Young’s defensive limitations, his backcourt companion must be able to defend the opposing point guard if they pose a challenge Young cannot handle. In an Eastern Conference studded with elite point guards, Daniels’ defensive versatility is irreplaceable.
While his offense may never take the leap fans hope for, allowing Daniels to use his leverage in free agency could easily backfire. Daniels understands that this team construction only makes sense with him on the roster to support Young. Saleh and the Hawks also understand this and presumably will not allow Daniels to start the season without a contract.
Expect a contract extension with an average annual value exceeding $30 million to be signed this week.