Paul Millsap will likely command a maximum contract in free agency, but the offer shouldn’t come from the Atlanta Hawks.
There was little doubt Paul Millsap was going to opt out of his contract with the Atlanta Hawks to become an unrestricted free agent.
The choice to hit the open market, bypassing a $20 million salary for next season, comes with the potential to nearly double his earning for the 2017-18 season.
A maximum contract could result in a five-year, $207 million deal if he remains in Atlanta, or another team could present him with a four-year, $154 million contract.
If he agrees to a max contract, his starting salary could encompass 35 percent of the total salary next season, meaning the decision to enter free agency could result in a $15 million bonus just for next year.
Plenty of teams will be interested in his services, as Millsap has earned a place on the All-Star team in each of the past four years and last season he posted averages of 18.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
During his time in Atlanta, Millsap managed to successfully incorporate a potent three-point shot into his offensive repertoire and established himself as a complete defensive player. Millsap is one of just nine players this century to total at least 125 blocks and 125 steals in the same season.
While Millsap has thrived since joining the Hawks, with the start of free agency Saturday, the best decision for both sides is a new beginning. Here are five reasons why Millsap and the Hawks should part ways.