Kent Bazemore took out a full-page ad in Wednesday’s edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to thank fans after he chose to remain “home” and re-sign with the Hawks as a free agent.
Bazemore agreed to a four-year, $70 million contract as an unrestricted free agent on Friday after he spent the past two seasons with the Hawks.
Bazemore didn’t want to leave Atlanta and turned down higher offers from three different teams.
The ad appears on page A12 of the AJC. It is a picture of an applauding Bazemore with a letter he wrote:
Dear Atlanta,
First and foremost, I want to thank you for taking me in two years ago and helping shape me into the man I am today. This city, the people, the fans, the Hawks organization and my teammates have made this HOME for me. All of the support and love that I've received has been surreal.
During free agency, I knew in my heart that Atlanta is where I wanted to stay. This city has become my home and it's where I want to continue to grow both personally and professionally for the next four years and beyond. It's the city that my family and I want to be in.
My Atlanta Hawks teammates and the Atlanta community have supported me immeasurably and I am excited to see what we will accomplish together in the future. I promise you that I will give my all every single night on the floor to do everything I can to help us win!
Atlanta is also where my foundation is based. Staying home allows me to continue my efforts in our community with the ARMS Foundation. I created a non-profit organization to provide outreach that motivates and inspires the next generation of leaders.
Please join me in my staying in Atlanta. I look forward to seeing you at one of the foundation's upcoming events:
* Bowling for Hoops – Painted Pin on Saturday, Aug.6 from noon-4:30 p.m.
* UNO Card Tournament – Fernback Museum on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 7-10 p.m.
* Celebrity Golf Classic – Druid Hills Golf Club on Monday, Aug. 8
To attend an event, sign up by visiting www.ARMSFoundation.org or Eventbrite.
Love,
Kent Bazemore #24
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