The Atlanta Hawks and Dyson Daniels have yet to bridge the gap in early extension negotiations. NBA insider Jake Fischer reports on The Stein Line that discussions have highlighted differing expectations between the two sides.
The Hawks reportedly remain cautious, citing Daniels’ past shooting inconsistencies and limited playoff experience. Fischer notes that Atlanta wants to see how effective the 22-year-old guard-forward can be in high-pressure postseason situations before committing to a long-term deal.
Daniels, meanwhile, has shown steady improvement in his first season with the Hawks. In 2024–25, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over 76 games while logging 33.8 minutes per contest. His performance earned him recognition as a versatile two-way player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
The 6-foot-7 Australian guard was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2024 and quickly secured a starting role. Fischer reports that despite his progress, Atlanta is hesitant to offer a sizable extension before fully evaluating his consistency in critical games.
Daniels is now entering the final year of his rookie-scale deal, with Atlanta having exercised his 2025–26 team option. Fischer adds that the team is weighing its options carefully, balancing the need to retain talent against long-term salary cap considerations.
The Hawks’ current roster features a mix of veterans and young players, including Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu, and Kristaps Porzingis. Decisions on Daniels’ extension could influence future roster construction and free-agent strategies.
While both parties remain engaged, sources suggest that a deal may not be imminent. The Hawks are reportedly focused on ensuring that any contract aligns with the player’s potential impact in both the regular season and postseason.
Daniels’ trajectory has been promising, but Fischer notes that Atlanta is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing performance verification before finalizing an extension.
