The Atlanta Hawks are listening to trade offers from rival executives on All-Star forward Paul Millsap, sources told ESPN’s Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst.
Story posting soon with @WindhorstESPN: ESPN sources say the Hawks have begun listening to trade offers for free agent-to-be Paul Millsap
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 1, 2017
Millsap is expected to opt out of his current deal and become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, sources told ESPN’s Chris Haynes.
Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap to opt out at end of season to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources told ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 1, 2017
Millsap, one of the East’s top frontcourt players, has averaged 17.4 points, eight rebounds, and 1.6 steals through 30 games with the Hawks this season. He has struggled finding his rhythm this season with Atlanta, shooting an underwhelming 44% from the field, which is down from his 47% mark last season.
The Hawks currently hold a disappointing 17-16 record and have shifted inside and out of the Playoff picture in recent weeks.
Teams such as the Toronto Raptors, who many observers feel are one frontcourt piece away from contention, will likely express interest in the 31-year-old Millsap. The Raptors have spoken with Atlanta in the past on a deal centered around Millsap, and may pursue that possibility again.
The Hawks lost frontcourt piece Al Horford for nothing last summer in free agency by opting not to deal him before last season’s deadline, something that the Hawks’ front office clearly remembers.
With Millsap set to enter free agency in just six months, the Hawks are testing the waters to see what they can acquire for him.
