Paul Millsap has been reminded – often – just how much the Hawks want him to return next season.
Still, the services of the All-Star power forward will go on the open market following the season. By signing just a two-year deal last year, Millsap is destined for free agency according to the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. He can still re-sign with the Hawks but there will definitely be competition.
“We want to keep him,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He is someone who is really important to us. He fits us very well. We’ve communicated that with him on a regular basis.”
Millsap signed a two-year, $19 million deal with the Hawks after seven seasons with the Jazz. He stepped up following the loss of Al Horford to a season-ending injury in December. He was named an All-Star in February as the Hawks were third in the Eastern Conference. He finished the season with averages of 17.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 33.5 minutes over 74 games. His point, assist and block totals were single-season career highs. Millsap scored in double-figures 68 times, including 29 20-point and two 30-point games.
Millsap said his focus is on basketball and not his future – in Atlanta or elsewhere – headed into the final year of his contract.
“My mindset doesn’t change - win as many games for this team, try to get this team to the playoffs, try to get this team to the championship,” Millsap said. “Those are the main goals.”
Millsap will likely get a significant pay raise next season. Al Jefferson, Millsap’s former teammate with the Jazz, signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract that paid the center $13.5 million last season. Jefferson signed the deal after average 19.2 points and 9.6 rebounds, comparable numbers to Millsap.
The switch in playing styles from the Jazz to the Hawks highlighted Millsap’s outside game and increased his NBA profile. The league took notice by Millsap’s increased shooting range under Budenholzer. He made 76 of 212 (.358) from 3-point range last season. In his seven seasons with the Jazz, Millsap was a combined 31 of 113 (.274).
“It’s always in the back of your head but at the end of the day you have to go out there and play basketball regardless of your situation,” Millsap said of his pending free agency. “I have to focus on this year, one game at a time. Don’t look too far ahead. Stay in the present.”
Millsap earned an invitation to try out for Team USA this summer in advance of the FIBA World Championships. A spot opened when Kevin Love opted out. Millsap’s stay was brief as he was one of the first cuts a week into training camp. He wouldn’t trade the time spent playing with the elite of the NBA.
“It was the highlight of my summer,” Millsap said. “Going out there and spend time with those guys and being able to play full court with those guys and be under Coach (Krzyzewski), that was a great experience.”
If Millsap was not considered a team leader when he first arrived in Atlanta, he is now. Budenholzer said he will be looking for Millsap to play even faster this season and take his teammates along with him.
“Paul is such a natural basketball player,” Budenholzer said. “We want him to continue to be Paul if that makes sense. He does so many things for you on the court. He and Al are similar that way. They are so skilled and they do so many different things. We are going to be on Paul to play at an even faster pace, play with more energy.
“It’s tough when you are one of the most important guys and you play a lot of minutes and you have to pick your spots. If he can set a tone for us and play at a greater pace it has a positive effect on everybody.”
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