Watch: Bazemore gets emotional discussing decision to stay in Atlanta

Kent Bazemore's decision to return to the Atlanta Hawks on a reported four-year, $70-million contract went well beyond dollars and cents.

"I couldn't choose a better place to be," the 27-year-old swingman said during a press conference Wednesday morning. "I said I wouldn't get emotional, but I just love it here. People just embrace me, and it just feels like home."

It's with the Hawks that Bazemore first got an opportunity to play a consistent role in a winning situation, joining the organization prior to the 2014-15 campaign for just $4 million over two years.

Starting 68 of his 75 appearances for Atlanta last season, he averaged 11.6 points on 44.1 percent shooting, along with a career-best 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 27.8 minutes per game. He also started all 10 playoff games, boosting his numbers across the board.

"It just makes sense, you know. Why walk away from something so perfect?" Bazemore said.

"It's not often in this league where you can say you want something to happen, and it happens. So, when you get to come back, it's just that much more special, and I thank ya'll for just embracing me."

Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets reportedly offered more money to lure Bazemore away, but the Old Dominion product turned them down to remain in a situation he's clearly comfortable in, rather than venture out into the unknown for a slightly larger payday.