Atlanta Hawks hope to re-sign Paul Millsap next summer
When the Atlanta Hawks refused to move Josh Smith at the trade deadline during the 2012-2013 season, many thought the franchise made a mistake. Turns out they stumbled into to low-priced blessing in then-free agent Paul Millsap in the summer of 2013.
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Fast forward a year later and after a “one-year” audition with the franchise, Millsap is wanted back by head coach Mike Budenholzer:
From the Atlanta-Journal Constitution:
"Still, the services of the All-Star power forward will go on the open market following the season. By signing just a two-year deal last year, Millsap is destined for free agency according to the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. He can still re-sign with the Hawks but there will definitely be competition.“We want to keep him,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He is someone who is really important to us. He fits us very well. We’ve communicated that with him on a regular basis.”"
With Al Horford suffering a season-ending injury mid-season, Paul Millsap proved his worth to the franchise by helping carry the team to the playoffs. In that time, Millsap averaged a career-high 17.9 points (shot 35 percent from three), 8.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, earning his first career All-Star nod in the process.
Of course, re-signing Millsap won’t come easy — the days of Millsap signing a deal worth $9 million annually over the course of two seasons are done. The league is aware of what type of player he is and this will create a bidding war between the Hawks and whomever sees Millsap as the perfect fit for their franchise.
From there, it’s up to Millsap to make the decision, but the Atlanta Hawks aren’t hiding their desire for the versatile power forward to return.
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