Feb 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) tries to protect the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

'There’s Indeed Some Distance in the Early Negotiation Stages' – Atlanta Hawks Could Face a Jonathan Kuminga Situation With Young Forward Next Year

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 12:57 AM ET

Dyson Daniels is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Atlanta Hawks, and the team is under pressure to offer him a lucrative extension after a solid 2024-25 campaign. The deadline for offering Daniels a new deal is October 20.

The Australian swingman is eligible for an extension worth $30 million annually. However, it doesn’t seem like the Atlanta Hawks are willing to give it to him just yet, per renowned NBA insider Marc Stein.

“I’m hearing there’s indeed some distance between Daniels and the Hawks in the early stages of these negotiations,” Stein wrote. “The Hawks, on one hand, could certainly take the stance that they have yet to see how effective Daniels can be in a playoff environment, given his past shooting inconsistencies.”

Mar 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) drives past Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

“Yet it’s likewise true that Daniels is the NBA’s reigning Most Improved Player, who also made a run at Defensive Player of the Year last season. He would thus figure to be a restricted free agent in demand next summer — if it got that far — even if RFAs in 2026 are confronted by another suffocating marketplace,” he added.

Atlanta Hawks drop first preseason game vs. Houston Rockets

The Atlanta Hawks kicked off their preseason with a 122-113 defeat against the Houston Rockets . Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the team in scoring with 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field off the bench.

Mar 18, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Zaccharie Risacher logged the most minutes (21) and put up nine points and two steals on 3-for-9 shooting. Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson, Trae Young, and Dyson Daniels had 11, 11, nine, and eight points, respectively.

Meanwhile, newcomer Kristaps Porzingis was in the starting lineup. The Latvian center produced five points on 2-for-6 shooting in 15 minutes of action.