Kent Bazemore spent a lot of time by himself as he weighed the options in the biggest decision of his basketball career.
He went for a run. He played some golf.
The Hawks small forward had much to think about as an unrestricted free agent. He wanted to remain in Atlanta, where he blossomed over the past two seasons. However, Houston made a most compelling pitch for his services. He did consult with those close to him — his fiancée, parents and advisors.
After all the introspection, the Hawks’ four-year, $70 million contract was more than enough for Bazemore. He turned down four-year, $72 million deals from the Rockets, Lakers and Nets. The Rockets’ case was cause for pause.
The Baze Gaze remains in Atlanta.
“Pressure-free right now,” Bazemore told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday of his decision. “I felt like it was the right decision. It would have been tough to leave Atlanta. As a player, in order to grow I think you have to be comfortable. You have to be comfortable with your organization and the people around you. My life has gone the right direction in Atlanta – on and off the court. It’s a great fit. I’m beyond elated. For me to be able to stay in Atlanta is one of the best things that ever happened to me.”
Re-signing Bazemore was labeled “huge” by one person inside the Hawks organization.
Bazemore, who turned 27 on Friday, has gone from an undrafted player and on three teams in two years to a key part of a successful franchise in four seasons.
Bazemore got engaged this summer and said his fiancée loves Atlanta. His parents wanted to make sure he signed for the right reasons and wasn’t just chasing a dollar. The North Carolina native adopted the city, and the city embraced him. He quickly became a fan favorite and appreciated by his teammates. Bazemore started his charitable foundation, ARMS, in Atlanta. A fact he acknowledged would be awkward if he left.
“I was out there just weighing all the options,” Bazemore said of his alone time. “I’m proud of myself for being efficient in my thinking process. I went through the pros and cons of everything. Atlanta made me a great deal. I’m just so happy, so very happy.”
The new contract, which averages $17.5 million a season, cannot be signed until after the end of the NBA moratorium July 7.
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