Paul Millsap was asked about his pending unrestricted free agency two days after the Hawks season ended.
“When that time comes,” Millsap said, “… I’ll take my time. I’ll weigh my options.”
That time has come.
The NBA free agency period begins after the stroke of midnight Wednesday and there will be plenty of suitors for the power forward. Teams can negotiate and reach agreements with players until the signing moratorium ends July 10.
Millsap has been the Hawks best player since signing a two-year, $19 million contract as a free agent in 2013. He made the All-Star team both seasons, averaging 17.3 points and 8.1 rebounds.
The Hawks have said re-signing Millsap, as well as DeMarre Carroll, is a priority.
“Our focus begins with our guys,” soon-to-be general manager Wes Wilcox said following the draft. “We are going to work hard to see where those go.”
Hawks principle owner Tony Ressler said he expects to spend more than the NBA salary cap on player salaries.
In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week, Ressler addressed best ways to demonstrate an owner’s commitment to his franchise and fan base. He said one way ownership will show its commitment is by “having a payroll that is between the cap and the (luxury) tax but never below the cap, having real payroll, having a commitment to keeping a quality team.”
The salary cap next season is estimated to be $67.1 million with a luxury tax line of $81.6 million. The cap is expected to rise dramatically the following year with the impact of a new television contract.
Millsap will be one of the top power forward free agents available, joining a group that includes the Trail Blazer’s LaMarcus Aldridge, Cavaliers’ Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson, Rockets’ Josh Smith, Pacers’ David West and Nets’ Thaddeus Young.
The Hawks have approximately $40.5 million in committed salary next season. They have only Millsap’s “Early Bird rights,” meaning, according to the collective bargaining agreement, they must use cap space to sign him if his salary is above $16.625 million, a figure that is 175 percent of last year’s salary.
This free agency period will be much different for Millsap than two years ago when the Jazz let him go by renouncing his rights. The Hawks swooped in and signed him to a very team friendly contract, especially considering his subsequent production. Simply, Millsap has created demand.
Millsap said following the season that he feels comfortable in Atlanta and was thankful for the development in his game. Most notably, he added a 3-point shot that became a real weapon. In seven seasons with the Jazz, Millsap made 31-of-113 3-pointers. In two seasons with the Hawks, he made 153-of-428 from long range. He maintained his inside scoring ability and was often the player the team turned to when they needed a basket.
“It’s going to feel different,” Millsap said last month. “I’m with a winning team, a team that went to the Eastern Conference finals. With all decisions, that has to play a part in it. You have to reflect on that and all the success that we’ve had in the past.
“… These past two years have been great for me. I’ve gotten better as a player. I’ve learned a lot in these two years. Who knows what can happen?”
