Report: Millsap informs Hawks he's opting out of contract
Paul Millsap appears set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The power forward has informed the Atlanta Hawks he's opting out of the $21.4-million player option on his deal for 2017-18, sources told ESPN.
It was expected that Millsap would decline the player option on the final year of his three-year pact in order to seek a max deal on the open market. At 32 years of age, the next contract the veteran signs will probably mark his last big payday.
The All-Star said earlier this month he wants to remain with the Hawks, whose Bird Rights allow them to offer him a five-year deal worth about $205 million. Meanwhile, the organization expressed optimism in retaining him.
The 11-year pro is considered by many to be the best power forward available in this free-agent class, which could also include Blake Griffin, Serge Ibaka, and Danilo Gallinari.
Millsap averaged 17.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks over four years in Atlanta, making the All-Star team in each of those campaigns.
He also led the team to a .576 winning percentage over that span, which was highlighted by a 60-win regular season and run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2015.
Atlanta has roughly $64 million tied up in guaranteed salary for next season.
The Vertical's Shams Charania was the first to report the story.