NBA Rumors: Paul Millsap being shopped by Atlanta Hawks

By John Buhler | Jul 2, 2016

Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) looks to pass the ball back inbound against the Boston Celtics during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

All-Star Paul Millsap is generating a ton of buzz in 2016 NBA free agency, as his current team in the Atlanta Hawks might be in the process of trading him.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical of Yahoo! Sports, Atlanta Hawks three-time All-Star power forward Paul Millsap might be in the process of being traded from Atlanta.

Since arriving in Atlanta for the 2013-14 NBA season, Millsap has transformed his game into being one of the best power forwards in the game. He’s always been a great rebounder, but his improved three-point shot and outstanding defense have made him a top 25 player in the game. Millsap was arguably the best player on the 2015-16 Hawks, earning his third All-Star selection and making the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team.

Sources: Market for Paul Millsap has been strong, flurry of calls, trade proposals. Several teams tell me they've been active talking to ATL
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2016

There are two primary reasons that Millsap is on the trading block entering Saturday night: 1.) Atlanta signed free agent center Dwight Howard to bolster its front court. While Atlanta would love to keep Millsap, it’ll be challenging to make the salary cap work for the Hawks to keep him on the books after signing Howard, wing Kent Bazemore, and throwing a near-max salary at power forward/center Al Horford.

2.) Millsap signed a three-year deal with the Hawks last summer with a player option for 2017-18. The growing sentiment is that like former teammate Jeff Teague, Millsap may not look to re-sign with Atlanta for a third time in free agency, so Atlanta is essentially looking to get something great for a perennial All-Star coming off his best season should he opt out and walk next summer.

Atlanta could, in theory, have Bazemore, Horford, Howard, and Millsap all on the same team next season, but would likely have to release players like center Tiago Splitter and power forward Mike Scott from their current contracts.

If Atlanta does trade Millsap, they will have to have a guarantee that Horford is coming back to the Hawks on a five-year deal. Atlanta also won’t part ways with Millsap without getting either a fringe All-Star wing or a boatload of draft picks. Millsap’s stock has never been higher than it is in 2016 NBA free agency.

For more NBA trade rumors, please check out our NBA trade rumors category page.

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