NBA Free Agent Rumors: Zaza Pachulia prefers Hawks, will visit other teams

Zaza Pachulia has spent the last eight seasons in an Atlanta Hawks uniform but is a free agent this summer. Pachulia recently told HOOPSWORLD's Lang Greene that his first preference is to remain with the Hawks but that he understands the business and will listen to what other teams have to say.

But of course I would like to stay in-house and play for this franchise. I've been here for eight great years. "But this is a business and we all understand it. I will also listen to other offers too and evaluate all of the other options I have on the table and then make a decision on whatever is best for my future and my family."

Pachulia has reportedly drawn interest from several teams including the Portland Trail Blazers. He made $5.3 million last season but played in just 52 games and missed the end of the season with an Achilles injury that required surgery.

Pachulia also told Greene that he thinks he will be 100 percent recovered from surgery by the time training camp opens.

"Yes. I will be 100 percent by the opening of training camp," Pachulia said. "I'm talking about being in good shape and everything. Originally my doctors told me it would be a four to six month timetable. I had my surgery April 3 and everything has been going so smoothly with rehab. Hopefully there won't be any setbacks. The long summer is definitely good for my situation, if I was in Europe things would be different. But in the NBA you get more rest."