NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks pull Paul Millsap off the trading block

The Atlanta Hawks have decided to pull Paul Millsap off of the trading block

Atlanta Hawks general manager Wes Wilcox’s has begun informing teams that Paul Millsap is off the trading block, according to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Over the past few weeks, Millsap’s name had been in numerous trade rumors. After the Hawks traded sharpshooter Kyle Korver to Cleveland, many believed that Atlanta would trade Millsap too. But Hawks GM Wes Wilcox has decided against a full rebuilding effort and trading Millsap.

Millsap signed with Atlanta in 2013, after seven seasons with the Utah Jazz. Millsap is in the first year of a three-year, $60 million contract. During his four-year tenure in Atlanta, Millsap has averaged more than 17 points per game and eight rebounds. Additionally, Millsap is a proven defender who has developed his three-point game since signing with Atlanta in 2013.

Do not rule out the Hawks eventually moving Millsap. If the Hawks go on a losing streak, it is possible Wilcox unloads the 11th year veteran before the trade deadline. The Hawks currently sit fourth in the East at 21-16.

Wilcox may also be informing other teams that Millsap is off the market in an attempt to drive up his trade value. By telling other teams that Millsap is off the table, Wilcox is telling other GMs that the current offers are not good enough to trade Millsap. But if the right offer comes along Atlanta should trade Millsap, and Wilcox likely will.

Millsap turns 32 next month, and his trade value is at an all-time high. The ability to acquire a proven, three-time NBA All-Star is appealing to other teams’ general managers. But the longer Wilcox and the Hawks’ hold onto Millsap, his value will decrease.