Score 17 points in a clinching game of the NBA Finals, and you're going to get noticed. Do it as an impending unrestricted free agent, and you may just get yourself a raise.
That's the scenario facing San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, who had an excellent final two games of the playoffs against the Miami Heat and, following perhaps his best season as a pro, may have played himself into a nice contract offer this summer.
Mills will be 26 when next season begins and is coming off a season averaging 10.2 points on 58.8 percent true shooting with an 18.7 player efficiency rating, making him one of the most efficient scoring guards on the market.
It's been enough to catch the eye of the New York Knicks, who have Mills on their radar, according to the New York Post.
From the report:
According to a source, Mills, unique because of his indigenous Australian heritage, would be intrigued by the idea of playing in New York and increasing his role from Tony Parker’s backup to a more marquee role.
“New York is definitely a city Mills would want to play in,’’ the source said. “He has that personality.’’
Mills, 25, has always been on the Knicks radar for this summer but he could have zoomed to the top after his playoff performance.
But the Knicks' ability to sign Mills can be called into question. The Aussie made $1.13 million this past season and the Knicks can offer a salary starting at $3.28 million with the taxpayer mid-level exception, but Mills may find himself sorting through offers with a higher starting salary.