The case AGAINST keeping Millsap

[MaceCase]

D21 you're not telling me anything that I don't already know. Fact is you're not allowed to sign anyone during the moratorium for 1 and for 2 the Hawks would not entertain resigning Horford AFTER Bazemore and Dwight were already announced if they did not have the capability to do so. It's really that simple, they were not negotiating with Horford for days having no idea how they would manage to accomplish something that even fans on a message board had figured out to the smallest decimal. Golden State had far greater cap gymnastics to perform in order to sign Durant and got it done, I sincerely doubt with all entirety that there was ever a worry over the Hawks shedding ~9 million and that's been further confirmed by there being zero mention of that being a reason for why both sides didn't come to a deal.

If I recall, AFTER we signed Dwight or it was announced he was coming here, there was a "Hawks are trying to figure out a way to keep Horford" articles that were published.

Lead me to believe that if they could keep him doing Cap Gymnastics they would (if he took the money) but it told me more that they werent really making him a priority?

I believe it's more that they approached Al either before or at the very beginning of free agency with a preliminary offer and he said "I wanna shop around" and they went "oh?....well lets not be caught holding the bag while we wait" and went out to secure Baze and Dwight.

[D21]

So have the Hawks really decided not to trade Milsap, or do you guys think this is just posturing to make sure they get good value for him in a trade?

Unless Millsap is in on the ruse too it would be in poor taste to have multiple executives inform him that he's off the block for good only to engage in trade talks again.

Ah okay. Hadn't seen that report yet.

Wonder why they traded Korver then?

The only reason leading to this trade is the impact of Korver in the new system.
Let be clear, he can still knock this 3pointers we can need in the last minute of a game... but just by playing him this season, end your chances to have a big lead or being in the lead at all.

These are the numbers for On Court/Off Court NET (difference between pts of ATL and opponents when ON/OFF court) for Korver in the last 5 seasons (I ignore players with very few playing time):

12-13 : +8.8pts (leading the team)
13-14 : +11.6pts (leading the team)
14-15 : +18pts (leading the team, by far)
15-16 : +12.3pts (leading the team, by far)
16-17 : -11pts (last and by far)
He was last with Bazemore and Schröder in beginning of the season but Bazemore improved a bit and Schröder improved a lot.

End of the discussion about why he could be traded this season, and that it's not a signal of reconstruction.

Now, why CLE ? to make him happy by sending him where it's the best fit, good for him.

On ATL side, it's a bit stupid if you end up playing CLE in playoffs...

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

NBA.com Insiders give their 2-cents on how wise (or likely) it is for the Hawks to take Millsap off the trade market:

Useless move. The Hawks botched this thing from the start. They should have never allowed the fact that they were entertaining offers for their veterans get out in the first place. As for this latest statement about Millsap being off the trade market ... whatever works. I think we're all smart enough to know that any good team is always willing to listen to potential offers. And the Feb. 23 deadline is like a neon sign in the distance for the entire league, not just the Hawks. Do your business in private and you don't have to worry about your locker room melting down at the first mention of a trade rumor.

- Former Hawks Beat Writer

Brilliant. It is as smart to take Millsap off the trading block as it was for a team that wants to win games right now to put a player like Millsap on the block. Dwight Howard has been a great addition to the Hawks and shored up their interior presence, but Paul Millsap is clearly the best player on the Hawks. All things considered, trading Korver is relatively minor move. Moving Millsap would signal a major change in direction for these Hawks.

-NBA Insider and Hawks Superfan


There are a number of other ones, I only included the two most familiar with the Hawks inner workings. It's an interesting read as their takes on the subject are all over the map.

[Jamaaliver]

Front office executives believe Paul Millsap has not been permanently removed from the trade market by the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hawks aggressively entertained trade offers for Millsap before publicly taking him off the market.

Millsap will be a free agent in 2017 and the Hawks are reticent to let him leave without compensation.

The Hawks have nearly traded Millsap multiple times since he signed a new deal in 2015.Via Marc Stein/ESPN

Here

[reazun]

Read on Twitter

NBA.com Insiders give their 2-cents on how wise (or likely) it is for the Hawks to take Millsap off the trade market:

Useless move. The Hawks botched this thing from the start. They should have never allowed the fact that they were entertaining offers for their veterans get out in the first place. As for this latest statement about Millsap being off the trade market ... whatever works. I think we're all smart enough to know that any good team is always willing to listen to potential offers. And the Feb. 23 deadline is like a neon sign in the distance for the entire league, not just the Hawks. Do your business in private and you don't have to worry about your locker room melting down at the first mention of a trade rumor.

- Former Hawks Beat Writer

Brilliant. It is as smart to take Millsap off the trading block as it was for a team that wants to win games right now to put a player like Millsap on the block. Dwight Howard has been a great addition to the Hawks and shored up their interior presence, but Paul Millsap is clearly the best player on the Hawks. All things considered, trading Korver is relatively minor move. Moving Millsap would signal a major change in direction for these Hawks.

-NBA Insider and Hawks Superfan


There are a number of other ones, I only included the two most familiar with the Hawks inner workings. It's an interesting read as their takes on the subject are all over the map.

I agree with Sekou. I wish the Hawks would do a better job keeping their inner workings on the inside until a deal is being finalized. The leak that Dwight was being tossed around in trades was pretty bad also imo. That should have never gotten out. Dwight just signed and said he wanted to retire here. He is happy here and playing well. I know this is a business too, but It is a good idea to keep your best players happy, dont treat them like pawns and let the media report on it.

[Jamaaliver]

I agree with Sekou. I wish the Hawks would do a better job keeping their inner workings on the inside until a deal is being finalized. The leak that Dwight was being tossed around in trades was pretty bad also imo. That should have never gotten out. Dwight just signed and said he wanted to retire here. He is happy here and playing well. I know this is a business too, but It is a good idea to keep your best players happy, dont treat them like pawns and let the media report on it.

I agree 100%. But there is always a chance the revelations are coming from the other end. Sources within the NO Pelicans Front Office being much too forthcoming with reporters.

[td00]

I don't think you should ever open the door (with open rumors of a fire sale) to having your best players moved. Not sure who could be the culprit, but when Ferry was here, and even Sund, rumors were very minimal.

I liked how this season started with our roster on the frontline; Pairing Sap with Dwight seemed like the best pairing even if it cost letting Horford walk.
Now, I know for a fact we could have gotten Howard at the deadline late last year, and gotten a taste of it last year. Instead, we hear questions as to if the roster is settled. We've wasted time here getting this constructed.

Sap is our all-star and we should acknowledge that by getting him out of the rumor mill. Dwight should be treated the same. Those 2 positions don't need upgrading and with Hump/Moose, I like our rotation up front and their salaries fit well here.

[Jamaaliver]

Mike Budenholzer just officially made Paul Millsap our franchise cornerstone:

Budenholzer on Millsap: ‘He’s not going anywhere’


Continued speculation about the future of Paul Millsap with the NBA trade deadline looming ended with a few words.

“He’s not going anywhere,” said Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, who also serves as president of basketball operations, to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday. “You can write that.”

Budenholzer reiterated the franchise’s position about their four-time all-star forward and best player before the Hawks played at the Trail Blazers.

The Hawks solicited potential offers for Millsap early last month as the team had a 16-16 record and appeared to be headed to a rebuild mode. A person close to the situation at the time believed there was at least one solid offer for Millsap on the table.

However, the Hawks halted all [trade] conversations. The Hawks informed teams that Millsap was no longer available. Millsap said he was informed by team management, including Budenholzer, that he would not be traded.

Millsap said Monday that he was relieved to know his immediate future with the latest acknowledgement.

“Bud has been a man of his word,” Millsap said. “He has always shot it straight with me, always been honest with me. I take his word for what it is. It’s refreshing to know I’m not going anywhere and I’ll be on this team until the end of the year.

“Now, I’ve got to make it work. Stick to basketball and try to get wins.”

Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler has been with the Hawks recently, at home and on the road, and there have been meetings about the direction of the franchise, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Just...wow.

[Jamaaliver]

cont.

Much of the speculation surrounding Millsap came down to two factors:

• He is clearly the Hawks best player and the Hawks figured to get a decent return for a player of his caliber
• He has a player option for next season and will most assuredly opt out of his contract

Even with the uncertainty of being able to re-sign him long term, many teams were interested.

So, the Hawks could lose Millsap in the offseason without anything in return – as happened last season with Al Horford.

However if Millsap does sign elsewhere, the Hawks would have in excess of $20 million to spend on another player.


Budenholzer said Monday that the Hawks could still make moves at the trade deadline if there is a way to improve the team. He also said he would be comfortable with the team as it currently is constructed. The Hawks are in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race and are 9-7 since the end of their seven-game win streak in January.

Here


I'm relieved the front office is indeed pondering the future direction of the franchise and acknowledge that a return for Paul could be massive. I'm disappointed we're still clinging desperately to maintain the status quo.

But, hey...we love our core.

[tbhawksfan1]

cont.

Much of the speculation surrounding Millsap came down to two factors:

• He is clearly the Hawks best player and the Hawks figured to get a decent return for a player of his caliber
• He has a player option for next season and will most assuredly opt out of his contract

Even with the uncertainty of being able to re-sign him long term, many teams were interested.

So, the Hawks could lose Millsap in the offseason without anything in return – as happened last season with Al Horford.

However if Millsap does sign elsewhere, the Hawks would have in excess of $20 million to spend on another player.


Budenholzer said Monday that the Hawks could still make moves at the trade deadline if there is a way to improve the team. He also said he would be comfortable with the team as it currently is constructed. The Hawks are in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race and are 9-7 since the end of their seven-game win streak in January.

Here


I'm relieved the front office is indeed pondering the future direction of the franchise and acknowledge that a return for Paul could be massive. I'm disappointed we're still clinging desperately to maintain the status quo.

But, hey...we love our core.

I'm not relieved at all. Seems when Bud talks about improving the team he's only referring to the short-term. I hear nothing coming from him or the Hawks on the long-term picture. Then we get to the end of another not very good season, look at the mess that only guarantees more mediocrity and act surprised.

[Jamaaliver]

I'm not relieved at all. Seems when Bud talks about improving the team he's only referring to the short-term. I hear nothing coming from him or the Hawks on the long-term picture. Then we get to the end of another not very good season, look at the mess that only guarantees more mediocrity and act surprised.

Jamaaliver thinks you're a crazy, SOB. But loves every bit of this.

[Jamaaliver]

There’s a growing feeling that Millsap wants to re-up here for a not-exorbitant price, which would be nice given that he remains their best player. He also just turned 32. If he re-signs for three years and he’s still their best player in 2020, this won’t be much of a team.

(NOTE: last summer, there was a similar belief in-house that Al Horford wanted to stay for a not-exorbitant price.)

MyAJC

[td00]

Here's a quote from Bradley's article: "The point being: For as much as the Hawks have changed — and they’ve changed a lot; four of the five starters from the 60-win team are gone — they’ve haven’t changed all that much from last season. They’re not nearly bad but not quite good."

The Hawks haven't changed much, except for Korver, Teague & Horford aren't here....just 3 starters.

Give this team a chance. They haven't been together that long. We kept Baze, brought in DH, and promoted DS in his 1st year. I sure didn't see Irving and Wall have their teams in the playoffs the year they took over at PG.

Bud will figure this out, and THJ is developing a routine now that he's healthy. I like that trade. The Celtics acquire Horford, and they are are looking for rebounding and shot-blocking. I like that move for us getting DH to replace him as well.

We've struggled with DET the most, and had that stretch of bad games, but I think we're in very good shape now that the 2-3 West Coast trip is over.
A tweak here and there to help the backcourt is what I want to help the bench if we can't get a starter in place before the playoff stretch. I don't expect any significant move, but a backup PG is needed.

Let's rent a player for the rest of the year if someone looks promising. Jameer Nelson, Lou Williams, guys who can make late game shots. Its worth the challenge to get to the ECF.

[Jamaaliver]

I honestly think that if Millsap leaves this summer, it'll be the post-All Star break slump that plays a big part why. It's really difficult to see us struggle with Dallas, Miami, Indy, Orlando and believe this team is on the verge of contention.

[HMFFL]

I honestly think that if Millsap leaves this summer, it'll be the post-All Star break slump that plays a big part why. It's really difficult to see us struggle with Dallas, Miami, Indy, Orlando and believe this team is on the verge of contention.

Struggling against those teams does concern me.
On the other hand, it's going to take a very talented player to replace Millsap, and I honestly don't foresee us obtaining one that fills his shoes. Millsap is a huge reason why Dwight Howard is having so much success this season, too. There are many negatives but also the positives are there, but locking Millsap up long-term, and for the max makes me cringe.

[tbhawksfan1]

If DH having success brings us a good trade for young guys / picks, then I'm all for it; cause it ain't gonna bring us a NBA title

[Jamaaliver]

Giving credit to P Millsap where it's due. Zach Lowe praises Paul for top play of late:

Millsap has surged of late for a strange Hawks team that just won't die, and he remains brilliant at using his hands on defense without fouling. He's a couple of rejections away from being one of just nine guys leaguewide averaging at least one block and steal per game -- a bar Millsap has cleared in all but one of his 10 prior seasons.

Millsap has sneakily been one of the league's most reliable clutch players this season. He's a tidy 13-of-28 in the last three minutes of games in which the score is within three points, and even better -- 9-of-18 -- in the final minute of close games, per NBA.com. He doesn't look the part of an endgame killer; Millsap generally faces up for spinning, criss-crossy drives that end in contested floaters over backpedaling defenders.

But those shots are going in, and the Hawks are hanging around.

ESPN

[tbhawksfan1]

.444 and .310. His shooting percentages have been decling for 3 years and are in the red this season. It will only get worse.

If Sap walks, WTH do we do with DH. I see 0 offseason trade partner for him. It looks like the offseason will feature Sap leaving, they bring in a lesser FA or two and our record and talent take another hit next season.

[Jamaaliver]

Read on Twitter

I honestly don't know if the Hawks can (or will even attempt to) entice Paul to comeback.

Our biggest selling point is money. Pure and simple.

But now we have lingering knee issues to take into consideration.

[tbhawksfan1]

Read on Twitter

I honestly don't know if the Hawks can (or will even attempt to) entice Paul to comeback.

Our biggest selling point is money. Pure and simple.

But now we have lingering knee issues to take into consideration.

Good... not really but it's making the best of a very bad situation. Next important point; is the owner/GM that let our talent sink to near NBA low so quickly, by gross mis-mangement going to bring in someone that know what the heck they're doing.

I don't mind rebuilding, but I'm really pizzed about what they did to the teams talent.

Lots of crap moves made, but the one that completely finished the crap job was Horf bolting. I think the plan was keep Horf with newly signed DH and move Sap. Horf bolting is on them anyway, so it doesn't lessen the crap job they've done