Hawks Lock Up Dyson Daniels — $100M Deal

Merlin sees the Hawks locking up Dyson Daniels with a four-year, $100 million rookie extension after his breakout year. The 22-year-old averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and a league-high 3.0 steals, won Most Improved Player and made the All-Defensive First Team — and Trae Young quickly celebrated the deal on social media. Atlanta avoided the risk of him hitting restricted free agency. Merlin notes the arc: a bench piece in New Orleans who blossomed after the trade, Daniels gives Atlanta a switchable perimeter defender and disruptive playmaker next to Young. The contract bets on continued growth — especially his shooting and creation — and if he progresses, the Hawks’ ceiling rises from good to dangerous.