Key Movements of Pacers and Hawks in the NBA Market

The NBA market continues to make significant moves for the future of several franchises. Two of the standout names in recent hours are Aaron Nesmith and Dyson Daniels, who have secured their continuity with Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks, respectively. Both players, with very defined defensive profiles and in full ascending projection, establish themselves as key pieces in their teams' projects after signing contract extensions of great economic and symbolic value.

Aaron Nesmith, defensive guarantee and offensive efficiency in Indiana

The Indiana Pacers have secured one of their most important players in recent months. Aaron Nesmith agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $40.4 million, with a trade kicker included, linking him to the franchise until the 2028-29 season. The deal was finalized just before the deadline for veteran renewals and represents the maximum salary allowed under his contractual situation.

Nesmith's renewal reflects the importance he has gained in the Pacers' scheme, especially during the last postseason, where he started in all 23 games that led the team to the NBA Finals. His offensive evolution was remarkable: he reached career highs in field goal percentage (51%), three-pointers (43%), and free throws (91%), averaging 12 points and four rebounds in the regular season.

In the playoffs, his impact was even greater. He took on the most demanding defensive tasks against figures like Jalen Williams, Jalen Brunson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Darius Garland, without losing efficiency in attack. In fact, he shot 49.2% from three-point range, the best historical record in a postseason with at least 100 attempts, according to ESPN Research. Indiana thus secures a key player for their current competitiveness and future consolidation.

Dyson Daniels, defensive pillar of the reconstruction in Atlanta

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks confirmed Dyson Daniels' four-year contract extension worth $100 million, thus rewarding an exceptional season. The Australian was named Most Improved Player of the Year, runner-up for the Best Defender award, and a member of the All-Defense first team, in addition to accumulating 229 steals, the highest figure in a season since Gary Payton in 1995-96.

Daniels has become a symbol of the Hawks' new direction. Last season, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.0 steals per game, being the first player in over three decades to reach an average of three steals. His arrival in Atlanta occurred in July 2024, in the trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans, and since then, he has proven to be the perfect complement to [Trae Young](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trae_Young), balancing the perimeter with his defensive intensity and playmaking.

At 23 years old, Daniels is already a cornerstone of the project led by Quin Snyder, which aims to build a solid block around young talents like Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher, the number one draft pick in 2024. His extension not only ensures sporting stability but also reinforces the defensive identity of a Hawks team determined to regain prominence in the East.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Movimientos clave de Pacers y Hawks en el mercado NBA