The Hawks have had an up-and-down season so far, sitting at 7-9, but Dyson Daniels is giving fans plenty to be excited about. After being part of a big trade with the Pelicans that sent Dejounte Murray the other way, Daniels has hit the ground running. The young guard is averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and a league-high 3.4 steals a game, making an impact on both ends of the floor. With his smooth playmaking and lockdown defense, Daniels already feels like a steal for the Hawks. Safe to say, this trade might end up being a franchise-changing move.
A Perfect Fit For Trae Young
Dyson Daniels has been a game-changer for the Hawks, especially when it comes to defense. He’s putting up crazy numbers—3.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game as a wing—which is just wild. The guy’s everywhere on the court, locking down passing lanes, picking pockets, and even protecting the rim like a big man. He’s giving the Hawks something they’ve needed for a while: a true defensive force.
When Dejounte Murray came to the Hawks, the idea was that he’d take some defensive pressure off Trae Young. That didn’t quite pan out, though. Murray wasn’t at his usual defensive level, leaving the Hawks with a gap. Enter Daniels, who’s already showing flashes of a future Defensive Player of the Year. His energy and consistency on defense have made a huge difference.
What makes Daniels even better is that he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to shine. He’s great at moving off the ball, cutting to the basket, and staying involved without forcing plays. Sure, his three-point shot (28.8%) could use some work, but he’s smart about picking his spots and is clearly improving. Plus, his ability to play without dominating possessions fits perfectly alongside Trae.
Speaking of Trae, he’s having a rough year offensively. His numbers—21.9 points per game on 38% shooting from the field and 34% from three—aren’t what you expect from him. Daniels is helping by taking some of the load and letting Trae focus on getting back to his usual self. Together, they’re building a balance that makes the Hawks way more dangerous.
Still A Young Piece With A Great Contract
Dyson Daniels is just 21 years old, which makes him an ideal fit for the Hawks as they look to retool with younger pieces. Compare that to Dejounte Murray, who is already 28 and firmly in his prime. While Murray is a great player, his playstyle never really matched up with what the Hawks were trying to build. Daniels, on the other hand, has years ahead of him to grow, and his development can align perfectly with the rest of the young core the Hawks are putting together.
Then there’s the contract situation, which is a no-brainer. Daniels is still on his rookie-scale deal, earning $6 million this season and averaging just $6.26 million a year over four years. That’s a steal for what he’s bringing to the court. Meanwhile, Murray is on a massive deal—$114 million over four years, earning $24.7 million this season. For a team like the Hawks, who are trying to stay competitive while also building for the future, that kind of financial difference is huge. Daniels gives them room to maneuver, whether it’s bringing in another piece or retaining their young talent in the years to come.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Hawks. They’re clearly retooling, not rebuilding, but focusing on younger players like Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher. Daniels fits right into that strategy with his age, upside, and versatility. He’s already showing flashes of being a key contributor, and the Hawks don’t have to worry about him taking up a huge chunk of the salary cap while he develops. That’s the kind of flexibility every team needs when they’re trying to build for the long haul.
For a team like the Hawks, Daniels isn’t just a good player—he’s the perfect piece for where they’re at right now. He’s young, affordable, and already showing he can contribute at a high level. Add in the fact that he’s just scratching the surface of what he can do, and it’s easy to see why this trade was a win. In a league where managing contracts and timelines can make or break a team, the Hawks are sitting pretty with Daniels as part of their future.
Daniels Brings What The Hawks Need
Dyson Daniels is proving he’s more than just a scorer for the Hawks, which is exactly what the team needs right now. Against the Celtics in their surprising 117-116 win, he dropped 28 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals, but it wasn’t just about his scoring. Daniels doesn’t need to dominate the ball to make an impact—he cuts to the basket, finds open spots, and keeps the offense running smoothly. Compare that to Dejounte Murray, who often needed the ball to be effective, creating overlap with Trae Young’s role as the primary playmaker. Daniels complements Trae instead of competing with him.
In his game against the Kings, Daniels showed how much he brings on both ends of the floor with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. Daniels doesn’t just add points; he adds flow to the offense and versatility to the defense. That’s the difference.
This season, Daniels has consistently stepped up in games where the Hawks have needed a boost, whether it’s providing timely buckets or moving the ball to keep possessions alive. His adaptability is key—he doesn’t force plays, and his off-ball movement makes him an easy fit in a system built around Trae Young. While Murray was a high-usage player who often disrupted the offensive rhythm, Daniels thrives by filling gaps and amplifying the team’s strengths.
What makes Daniels such a good fit isn’t just his numbers; it’s how he plays. He doesn’t need the spotlight, doesn’t need to dominate touches, and yet still makes the team better. Murray’s style didn’t always fit with Trae’s, but Daniels’ ability to contribute in every area of the game shows why he’s exactly what the Hawks need.
