The Atlanta Hawks have been embroiled in rumors concerning Paul Millsap for quite some time and, with the 2017 trade deadline rapidly approaching, the theoretical hot stove is beginning to heat up across the league. However, head coach Mike Budenholzer effectively ended any speculation surrounding Millsap on Monday afternoon.
Story to come. Asked Bud about Paul Millsap at trade deadline. “He’s not going anywhere. You can write that.”
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) February 13, 2017
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC brings word that Millsap will not be traded and this is as direct as Budenholzer can possibly be on the subject. It should be noted that nothing is “official” until the deadline passes next week, but anything short of standing pat with the All-Star power forward would be widely panned based on the blunt statement above.
Paul Millsap was reportedly told weeks ago that he would not be dealt, but hearing it from the final decision maker is another layer altogether. The final result for players like Thabo Sefolosha, Tim Hardaway Jr. and others involved in rumors remains to be seen but Millsap chatter at this point would seem frivolous.
Stay tuned.