Dyson Daniels, Hawks are evaluating for a $100 million contract extension

The Atlanta Hawks and Dyson Daniels managed to reconcile on a four-year, $100 million rookie contract extension hours before the deadline. After a strong year in his first season with the Hawks, Daniels was the most improved player league and a candidate for the best defensive player. Daniel led the league in steals and rebounds, and was arguably the best perimeter defender last season.

By the deadline, there were rumors that Daniels is looking for five years$150 million, but the Hawks wanted a lower number. In the end, it looks like they were able to come to a common ground, like Daniels earns $25 million a yearand will have the opportunity to re-enter the market at the age of 27.

Here are some ratings for the overtime between the Hawks and Daniels.

Deason Daniels is getting a big payday from the Hawks

Daniels showed the Hawks that he can be a game-changer on defense, but he also has some offensive skills that will only get better. As a defender, he showed his worth every night, guarding the opposing team’s best player while wreaking havoc in other areas on that side of the floor. The numbers speak for themselves, and he will continue to make a big impact on defenses throughout his career.

While some would think that’s how he earned the majority of his hefty salary, his offensive growth may have helped in the negotiations as well. With the Hawks lacking a true backup point guard behind Tree Young last season, Daniels took on some of that role and did a good job of it. He pressured the rim while also making plays for others that opened up the offense. His 3-point percentage has increased as the season has gone on, and he’s shown that there’s a real edge to his game on that side of the ball.

He got his due for Daniels and could have a chance to make more money when his contract expires. His game will only continue to grow, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he gets more in the future.

Grade for Daniels’ extension with the Hawks: A

Hawks continues the trend of financial flexibility

Over the past few years, the Hawks have been able to land their players on secure and team-friendly deals, which makes their cap sheet look good. Last season, the Hawks signed Jaylen Johnson to a five-year, $150 million rookie contract, and were praised for getting him to such a deal. This season, Daniels gets his deal, and the conversations are pretty much the same.

There are a few more deals that many people will be looking for the Hawks to make, but they will likely happen at the end of the season at this point. One of those players is Kristaps Porzingis, who the Hawks traded for in the offseason and is in the final year of his contract.

The other player is Trae Young, who is eligible for an extension, but he and the Hawks have not come to an agreement. There’s no doubt that general manager Onsi Saleh is trying to continue that trend of financial flexibility with these two players, and the Daniels deal should show that.

Grade for Hawks extension of Daniels: A