A $35 million shortfall in contract extension talks with Dyson Daniels

The Atlanta Hawks are ready to compete in the Eastern Conference and have the talent on the team to do so. With having talent comes bringing out the edges, and the Hawks have several players who are eligible for extensions. One of those players is Dyson Daniels, who is eligible to sign his initial sequel.

Unfortunately, Hawks and Daniels they seem to be distant on the deal, says HoopsHipe’s Michael Scotto.

“Reigning NBA MVP, first-team defensive selection and steals champion Dyson Daniels and agent Daniel Moldovan are seeking a five-year, $150 million contract during extended negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks, league sources told HoopsHipe,” Scotto wrote.

“However, the Hawks were closer to the five-year, $115 million range during negotiations, league sources told HoopsHype. If Daniels enters the summer of 2026 as a restricted free agent, Atlanta would have the ability to match any offer if another team tries to sign him,” continued Scotto.

With the deadline looming later in the day, there’s a good chance these negotiations will happen after the season, and they could end up according to the offer sheet the team signs him to.

Deason Daniels, Hawks away from each other in overtime

Daniels had a breakout season for the Hawks after being traded there last offseason, and showed the league what he can really do when he gets minutes. He was by far the best perimeter defender in the league, and he had the stats to back it up, finishing the season with the most steals and rebounds.

Not only was he impressive defensively, but his offensive game started to take shape, and the Hawks put the ball in his hands to make plays in time. His game on both sides of the ball earned him the best player awardand he was also in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Hawks are now in a position to have several players they could extend, including Daniels, Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis. For Daniels, while he has shown improvement on offense, the Hawks likely want to see him take another step in that area of ​​his game this season. He shot 34% from 3 last season, and if he can increase that this season while also making more strides in his offensive game, his contract negotiations could look different at the end of the year.