The New Orleans Pelicans tried to avoid including Dyson Daniels in their trade offer to the Atlanta Hawks for Dejounte Murray, sources tell ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The Hawks wanted to acquire a player for Murray that would help them protect Trae Young on defense. While the Pelicans wanted to keep Daniels, they considered him expendable due to the presence of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III on the wings.
Daniels has six games of at least three steals this season and leads the NBA in deflections per game with 7.6.
“He’s always been good defensively,” one scout told ESPN of Daniels, “but offensively he is playing free and is not as scared to make mistakes. Sometimes the change of scenery can really help guys. It also helps when your coach lets you play through your mistakes.”
While Daniels still has to improve his shot, the Hawks have been thrilled with his attitude and work ethic.