Hawks agree to big contract extension with NBA's Most Improved Player

Daniels spent his first two seasons with New Orleans after being selected with the eighth pick in the 2022 draft. His career blossomed after he was traded to Atlanta in the Dejounte Murray blockbuster prior to last season. Daniels became a fixture in the Hawks’ lineup and established himself as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league.

Hawks' Dyson Daniels has earned contract extension 

Daniels captured the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award and was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He also made first team All-Defense and racked up 229 steals, the most in a single season by any player since Gary Payton in 1995-96.

Daniels posted averages of 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.0 steals in 33.8 minutes per game while making 76 starts. He also shot a career-best 49.3% overall and 34.1% on three-point attempts.

Daniels is the ninth player in his draft class to sign or agree to a rookie scale extension that will begin in 2026-27, joining Christian Braun, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray, Nikola Jovic and Shaedon Sharpe.

Like Braun, Daniels will get an average annual value of $25M on his new deal, though Braun’s new contract with Denver includes a fifth year.

Daniels and Trae Young meshed well in Atlanta’s backcourt but it’s uncertain how long that pairing will last. Young holds a $48.97M player option on his contract for 2026-27 and could become a free agent next summer. He and the Hawks aren’t expected to reach an extension at this time.