$100 million over 4 years! Daniels extends contract with the Hawks, last season’s fastest improving player and All-Defensive First Team member

On October 21st Beijing time, reporter Shams reported that Dyson Daniels, the Atlanta Hawks’ top defensive guard, has agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension on his rookie contract with the team.

The Hawks had hoped Daniels would sign a five-year contract worth roughly $23 million annually. Ultimately, Daniels chose to reduce the length by one year to secure a marginally higher average yearly pay.

The Hawks have consistently aimed to keep Daniels long-term. According to league insiders, the team made it clear to Daniels that failing to reach an extension now wouldn’t mean the end of their relationship. In fact, the gap is far from that. If the 22-year-old becomes a restricted free agent in 2026, even if he receives offers well beyond what the Hawks proposed in recent months, the team plans to match any bid.

Now, both sides have gained security.

Last season, Daniels earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and was named to the All-Defensive First Team. He recorded 229 steals in a single season, the highest total since Gary Payton in 1995-96. As the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Daniels averaged 14.1 points (a significant jump from 5.8 in 2023-24), 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3 steals per game last season, becoming the first player since Alvin Robertson in 1990-91 to average 3 steals per game.

In July 2024, the Hawks acquired Daniels and a first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Dejounte Murray. So far, Daniels, known for his defense, has formed an effective partnership with star point guard Trae Young in Atlanta.

Daniels has become one of the foundational pillars of the Hawks. Besides him, the team also has Jalen Johnson and the 2024 first overall pick, Rashee, as core building blocks on the wing positions.