Paul Millsap: Re-Signing Him Best Offseason Move For Hawks

Atlanta Hawks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer and newly promoted General Manager Wes Wilcox decided it was in the best interest of the basketball club to keep All-Star Power Forward Paul Millsap‘s services this offseason with a new 3-year deal worth about $60 Million.

After a productive stretch as a role player for the Utah Jazz, Paul Millsap became an All-Star for the Atlanta Hawks, making the Eastern Conference’s 12-man roster both in 2014 and 2015. Though he didn’t make an All-NBA team for his work this past season, most view Paul Millsap as a Top 25 player in the NBA.

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Paul Millsap entered free agency after last season’s historic year for the Atlanta Hawks, commanding close to a maximum contract for his services. While many expected Millsap to either stay in Atlanta or return to Utah to play with his younger brother Elijah Millsap, it was a bidding war between the Atlanta Hawks and Southeastern Rival Orlando Magic who fought for Paul’s services.

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Fortunately for Atlanta Hawks fans, the Hawks organization came out on top and retained Paul Millsap. Though he is entering his 10th NBA season and will turn 31 in February, this was a necessary move that Coach Bud and Wilcox had to make to keep the Atlanta Hawks competitive.

As much as it still pains me to know that DeMarre Carroll no longer is in Atlanta as he is now going to play stretch four for the Toronto Raptors, there was no way that Bud and Wilcox were going to let a Top 25 player in the Association walk out the door and play for a division rival. Winning organizations do not let that happen. While Paul will make roughly $20 Million annually over the next three seasons, I see this as the best offseason move the front office made to the Atlanta roster.

By getting Paul Millsap locked in at $20 Million for the next three years, it allows Coach Bud and Wes Wilcox the flexibility to offer All-Star Center absolute top dollar when he hits free agency this summer. Though The Boss has publicly stated how much he loves playing in Atlanta, he will certainly command a max contract next summer as one of the three biggest free agents in the Class of 2016. The other two are LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

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Will Al Horford take a hometown discount to stay in Atlanta? Possibly since the Atlanta Hawks are the only professional team Al has ever played for. Paul Millsap took almost the max to return to Atlanta, so you never know what Big Al’s thinking. But he should know that by paying Paul Millsap handsomely, the Atlanta Hawks are serious about staying a contending team in the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future.

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