The Atlanta Hawks are entering what some consider a crucial season. After offseason turmoil regarding the ownership and general manager Danny Ferry, the Hawks are eager to the let their play on the court start to do the talking as basketball now becomes the focus. The Hawks ended the 2013-14 season in a high note after almost upsetting the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference playoffs. With momentum in their favor, the Hawks have crucial decisions to make regarding the future of their roster.
Paul Millsap suddenly falls into focus with his expiring contract. The veteran power forward has been one of the biggest impact players for the Hawks, especially last season, and has seen his value in the league rise up as a result. Millsap is looking for a new deal, likely with a few more years packed onto it and now the Hawks must decide if they will keep him around or not.
According to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Hawks plan on re-signing Millsap, but not until the summer. The forward is coming off a two-year, $19 million deal and could command a pay raise after finishing the season averaging 17.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He proved to be a solid double-doulbe threat, recording the figures 68 times. Head coach Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta wants nothing more than to keep Millsap around for the long-term.
"We want to keep him," Budenholzer said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "He is someone who is really important to us. He fits us very well. We've communicated that with him on a regular basis."
It is unclear what Millsap is demanding in a new contract. One thing is certain, there will be competition for him in free agency. If the Hawks feel as though they cannot afford to keep him around, a trade is the only option since the return value could be reasonable. Al Horford is in a similar position. The big man has heard his name tossed around in rumors after yet another injury that kept him out for most of the season last year. Both players are crucial members to the roster, but could be dealt depending on the circumstances.
"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. "I have to focus on this year, one game at a time. Don't look too far ahead. Stay in the present."
Atlanta has been linked to several big names in free agency next summer. Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge and potentially Roy Hibbert are all expected to be targets. There is even talk that Josh Smith could make reappearance if the deal is right.
