Amid trade rumors, Hawks' Millsap wants to stay in Atlanta
Paul Millsap's name has recently popped up in trade rumors, but that doesn't mean the 10-year veteran is intent on leaving Atlanta anytime soon.
"Everybody knows where my heart is and where I want to be," Millsap told Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "That would be here."
After signing a two-year deal with the Hawks in 2013, Millsap has arguably become the team's best player, averaging 17.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 259 career games.
With three All-Star appearances and one All-Defensive team honors, Atlanta is certain to have plenty of suitors should they choose to shop Millsap. While no team has been recently linked to the 31-year-old, both the Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors have reportedly expressed interest in the past.
Related: Should the Raptors trade for Millsap if the price is right?
While Atlanta is reportedly afraid of losing Millsap for nothing this summer, the Hawks sit close to the top of the Eastern Conference, giving them less incentive to move the 6-foot-8 power forward.
Although he has a player option for 2017-18, reports have indicated Millsap is intent on opting out this summer, making him one of the top unrestricted free agents on the market.
The Louisiana Tech product is averaging 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 31 games this season.