Melbourne United and the NBL announced on Wednesday that Dash Daniels and the club had mutually agreed to part ways, with Daniels committing to a second year in the NBL's Next Stars program as he pursues an NBA career.
Dash is the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who recently became the youngest ever player to finish second in the NBA's Most Valuable Defensive Player category having led the competition for both steals and deflections.
The 18-year-old had a thrilling NBL26 season that was highlighted by Melbourne United's in-season exhibition match against the New Orlean Pelicans, during which Daniels won the praise of both Zion Williamson and then-coach Willie Green, who said he "caused some havoc" with "defensive instincts that are really similar to his brother".
Daniels posted 11 points and six rebounds against the Pelicans whilst also displaying the defensive prowess marking the likes of Williamson and Trey Murphy III.
He was the second-most accurate three-point shooter on the United roster during NBL26, hitting 36% from long range, and his journey took another step forward during the NBL off-season when he was crowned as the best defender at the 2026 Adidas Eurocamp, which is marketed as the "premier pre-draft scouting event" for NBA and European hopefuls.
Daniels is currently ranked at number 40 on ESPN's mock draft for 2027, opting for a second year in the NBL's successful Next Stars program with the hope of becoming a first round pick.
The program produced a first round selection at the 2026 draft when New Zealand Breakers small forward Karim López was chosen as pick 21 by the Detroit Pistons, who immediately traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies.
According to ESPN's NBL insider Olgun Uluc, United's crosstown rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix are first in line to secure Daniels' signature for NBL27.
Uluc reported earlier this week that Daniels has already met with the Phoenix and toured their facilities at the State Basketball Centre.
The Phoenix are looking for a new Next Stars prospect after Malique Lewis was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this year as the 60th and final selection.
“I have nothing but respect for Melbourne United," Daniels said in a media statement on Wednesday.
"It's a highly professional organisation from top to bottom, and I've valued every part of my journey with the club.
“I'm excited for what's ahead, but I'll always look back on my time with Melbourne United with amazing memories and true appreciation.”
The NBL27 season tips off on September 19 when United host runners-up Adelaide 36ers, two weeks after the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament in the regional Victorian city of Bendigo.
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
