Dealing with his minor knee issues and with his team looking good of clinching a spot in the playoffs, forward Paul Millsap is already looking for the future. According to reports, there is a possibility that the 6-foot-8 might reject a guaranteed $21 million, according to Larry Brown Sports, next year to test the free agent market.
ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that Millsap considers to become a free agent next season. He also extended his regards to the Atlanta Hawks, saying that he would like to stay with the team but he will still look for other options.
Hawks F Paul Millsap expected to void contract after season, become free agent, per sources. Loves ATL, would like to stay, but will look.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2017
After spending his first seven years with Utah Jazz after drafting him at the second round in 2006 draft, Millsap agreed to sign with the Hawks for a 2-year $19 million contract and play alongside long time big man Al Horford in 2013. With the latter's recent move to the Boston Celtics and Dwight Howard's arrival, he has become the leading scorer of the 37-34 Atlanta. The 32-year old Millsap is currently averaging team-best 18.1 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per outing.
Should Millsap's plans materialize this off-season, his shoes will most likely to be filled with Ersan Ilyasova, another recent acquisition by the Hawks beating the trade deadline who took the starter's chores left by Millsap. In his 15 games with Atlanta, he's norming decent numbers of 10.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1 steal per game.
Howard, the main man in the shaded lane, has been playing extended minutes as well to compensate Millsap's absence, playing an average of 34 minutes during the 3-game stretch. He's currently the team's leading rebounder with 12.8, together with 13.1 points, 1.4 assists, 1 steal and 1.3 blocks for the Eastern Conference's 5th seed.
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