The Atlanta Hawks have successfully secured Dyson Daniels with a four-year, $100 million contract extension, confirming reports from league sources to The Athletic. This deal takes effect for the upcoming season, ensuring that the reigning NBA Most Improved Player will remain with the Hawks through 2030.
As the deadline approached on Monday for fourth-year players to finalize contract extensions, the Hawks initially sought to persuade Daniels to consider a five-year contract valued at approximately $23 million per year. Ultimately, Daniels agreed to a four-year deal with a slightly higher average annual salary instead.
This decision underscores the Hawks’ long-term commitment to Daniels. Team executives had indicated that even if negotiations had fallen through, their intention to retain Daniels remained steadfast. They were prepared to match any offer sheet he might receive during restricted free agency in 2026, regardless of whether it exceeded their prior proposals.
The agreement now provides both parties with stability. Daniels finds himself at the heart of a dynamic Hawks roster that has undergone significant changes. The team made headlines this summer by trading for All-Star big man Kristaps Porziņģis and adding sharpshooter Luke Kennard. They also secured defensive stalwart Nickeil Alexander-Walker through a sign-and-trade. Alongside established stars like four-time All-Star Trae Young and promising talents such as Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks are poised to improve upon their 40-42 record from last season.
From the moment he joined the Hawks, following a trade that sent All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans in the summer of 2024, Daniels has garnered praise from the organization. Head coach Quin Snyder noted Daniels’ exceptional defensive capabilities, predicting that he could emerge as one of the league’s premier defenders while also developing his offensive game.
Daniels not only met expectations but exceeded them dramatically in his first season with Atlanta. He achieved career-best averages of 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while showcasing improved shooting accuracy. His standout defensive performance made him the NBA’s leader in steals at 3.0 per game, with a total of 229 steals throughout the season—the highest figure recorded since Hall of Famer Gary Payton in 1995-96.
With this newfound recognition, Daniels received the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, secured a spot on the all-defensive first team, and finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, only behind Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This extension marks a significant step for both Daniels and the Hawks, encapsulating their commitment to excellence as they head into an exciting new chapter for the franchise.