After receiving interest for a couple of weeks and forcing the rumor mill to churn with hypothetical trades, the Hawks are informing teams that Paul Millsap is no longer on the trade market, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports (on Twitter). This is a sign, at least for now, that Atlanta is determined to compete in the Eastern Conference instead of unloading assets, as Wojnarowski notes (on Twitter).
The Hawks definitely contemplated the move, however, and gave it considerable thought before arriving at the belief that Millsap was ultimately too valuable to the franchise, Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. This decision may have come from ownership, Vivlamore adds.
Millsap, who has a player option for next season and can opt out and become an unrestricted free agent, expressed happiness about the situation, per Vivlamore, and wanted to stay in Atlanta. Millsap has not said he will become a free agent, but that would make sense considering he would maximize his money that way.
Several teams were linked to Millsap, an All-Star forward who would be viewed as a solid addition to virtually any team. The Nuggets were interested, according to Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post (Twitter link), and Vivlamore reported that the Kings were a serious contender for Millsap’s services as well. Millsap was also thought to be the missing piece for the Raptors.
The decision on Millsap comes only a couple of days after the Hawks traded Kyle Korver to the Cavs this weekend in in exchange for a protected 2019 first-round draft pick and Mike Dunleavy Jr. Atlanta, however, never claimed to be moving in a rebuilding direction with the move, and judging from the way it has played, perhaps it makes sense that it shouldn’t. The Hawks are atop the Southeast Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 21-16 record and Millsap is a significant reason why. Millsap leads the Hawks in scoring, and is second in rebounds, assists and blocks.
Korver deal opened up more time for Hardaway Jr, and Dunleavy gives them a veteran versatile option at the 3, off the bench, which they needed considering Atlanta hasn’t given much time to Prince or Bembry this year.
Only reason to deal Milsap is fearing he’ll walk in free agency, which is fair, but unless they get something significant, it makes more sense to play out this season. Milsap is one of the better 2 way players right now, and Atlanta is a top 3-5 team in the East. They also may have a better matchup with the Cavs than previously b/c they have fixed their rebounding issue, not that I think Cleveland will lose, even after needlessly making a poor trade, and dealing with injuries
No one has a chance of beating Cleveland in the Eastern Conference other than Toronto, and minimally Boston. If Boston adds someone prior to the deadline, maybe. A Rudy Gay, Hayward, Boogie, Butler, whoever. Millsap if he goes back on the block. I understand those are different caliber players, but they would all be difference makers on the Celtics. Point is, Atlanta has no shot. They should rebuild.
They shouldn’t just give milsap away though
Really, no team in the East has a “shot” so what you’re saying connorsoxfan is we should just give up. Lol. I say keep Milsap. We got just as good a “shot” as your team. We’ve won 6 straight and 11 of 15. Not bad. We could definitely be worse.
And like I said, I think you guys arguably improved, and picked up a free asset
If Hawks were smart they would have contracted the Lakers and asked for Randle and Deng for Millsap. They get younger, salaries match and both teams are happy going forward. Millsap will walk for nothing after this year and they probably could have gotten Randle in return who is just now starting to play well.
No way the Lakers deal Randle. Young players showing clear improvement don’t get traded for a 31-year old in a contract year
Dude is obviously delusional if he thinks the lakers are trading Randle for a couple of months rental in a year where they are where they are lol
Well Raptors gave the Cavs a run for their money last year in the Playoffs…it is ridiculous to say no team has a shot. OF course the Cavs and Warriors are the heavily favored front runners, but anything can happen.