NBA Rumors: Hawks Forward Paul Millsap To Test Free Agency
One name that was consistently mentioned this season as being on the trading block was Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks. After the team had dealt Kyle Korver to the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, Millsap was expected to be on the move as well.
Although it seemed like it was inevitable that Millsap would be traded before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 23, the team announced he wouldn’t be dealt and would remain with the team for the rest of the season.
With the 2016-17 NBA season coming to an end, Millsap intends to opt out of his deal with the Hawks and test free agency this summer, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Hawks F Paul Millsap expected to void contract after season, become free agent, per sources. Loves ATL, would like to stay, but will look.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2017
Millsap will likely be one of the most sought-after free agents on the open market this summer. The veteran forward has indicated his desire to stay in Atlanta, but that can quickly change depending on teams that may show interest in the 32-year-old.
The Hawks, who are currently in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference, are considered to be a playoff team but far from a contender. Atlanta is the fifth seed in the East right now behind the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, and Cavaliers.
Atlanta could be in for an early playoff exit with Raptors clearly the better team at the moment. Ironically enough, Toronto was one of the teams linked to Millsap when trade rumors began to surface earlier this season.
A return to the Utah Jazz may not be out of the question for Millsap as he could be the missing piece to their puzzle if they’re able to retain Gordon Hayward this summer.
