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Atlanta Hawks: 5 reasons Paul Millsap shouldn’t be re-signed

By Brendan Galella

Mar 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) runs back on defense against the Chicago Bulls in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Lofty cap hit

The Atlanta Hawks have already started the process of slashing their payroll, the primary reason Dwight Howard was dealt away to Charlotte earlier in the month. Committing over $30 million annually to Millsap over the next five years is a major commitment, one the team has already indicated it wouldn’t make.

Of the players already under contract for the 2017-18 season, only LeBron James is scheduled to earn over $30 million, although multiple players signing max contracts this summer are likely to join him.

Seven players are scheduled to earn over $25 million next season and other than James. Millsap would be the oldest player among the group.

Millsap has solidified himself as a perennial All-Star during his time in Atlanta, but his career-high scoring average of 18.1 points per game a year ago tied him with Chris Paul and Kristaps Porzingis for the 37th-highest total in the league.

Committing so much money to a player that has yet to score 20 points per game and saw his double-double total slide from 32 in 2015-16 to 19 last year may not be a wise decision.

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