Could Atlanta’s Paul Millsap end up in Phoenix on sign-and trade?
Jun 21, 2017, 9:01 AM | Updated: 11:30 am
Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) celebrates the overtime victory as he leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Atlanta. The Hawks won in overtime 126-125. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
Tuesday, the Atlanta Hawks traded center Dwight Howard to the Charlotte Hornets.
Wednesday, they’re reportedly putting out feelers for any takers on a sign-and-trade deal for All-Star power forward Paul Millsap. The Phoenix Suns are one of the teams mentioned as a conversation partner, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Windhorst also mentioned the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets as rumored acquisition partners with the Hawks. Earlier this week, John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station, mentioned Millsap as a likely offseason target for Suns GM Ryan McDonough.
Millsap, 32, just wrapped up his fourth season in Atlanta and averaged a career-high 18.1 points while adding 7.7 rebounds per contest. He made his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance. He opted out of his deal, which would have paid him in excess of $21.4 million next season.
The Hawks, who have made changes in their front office this offseason, appear to be in the midst of a major transition and aren’t interested in paying Millsap on a max deal, which could reach over $35 million annually.
Millsap’s younger brother, Elijah, is on the Suns’ roster. He played in the final two games of the 2016-17 season, logging 23 minutes and scoring three points. He spent the majority of last season with the Northern Arizona Suns of the NBA G-League.
