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NBA free agency 2015: Paul Millsap stays with Hawks

By Matt Verderame

Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) works against the defense of Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola (4) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) works against the defense of Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola (4) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul Millsap is staying with the Atlanta Hawks, agreeing to a three-year deal for $59 million, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com. There had been earlier reports from Broussard and other media members that the Orlando Magic were pitching a four-year, $80 million offer to Millsap, which he has apparently turned down.

This is a huge move for the Hawks, who were the top seed in the Eastern Conference behind the frontcourt duo of Al Horford and Millsap. Atlanta lost DeMarre Carroll to the Toronto Raptors during the first day of NBA Free Agency, but did acquire center Tiago Splitter from the San Antonio Spurs via trade. Splitter, Horfoprd and Millsap could be a devastating lineup against the smaller teams of the Eastern Conference.

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Last year, Millsap averaged 16.7 points and 7.8 rebounds, helping Atlanta to its first 60-win season in franchise history. Millsap, 30, played the first seven years of his career with the Utah Jazz after starring at Louisiana Tech, drafted 47th-overall in 2006. Millsap’s best statistical year was 2013-14, his first campaign in Atlanta after signing a two-year deal. The Louisiana native scored 17.9 points and pulled down 8.5 rebounds per game.

The Hawks are still left with plenty of work to do if they are going to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who swept Atlanta in the Eastern Conference Finals without the services of Kevin Love or a healthy Kyrie Irving. However, Atlanta is also hoping for the development of point guard Dennis Schroder and continued excellence of Jeff Teague.

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