Free agent target Paul Millsap chose the Atlanta Hawks over the Orlando Magic, forcing the Magic to go to Plan B in free agency.
Paul Millsap has agreed to a three-year, $59-million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, David Aldridge of NBA.com reports.
Paul Millsap staying with Hawks on three-year deal for $58 million, per source. Player option for third year.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 1, 2015
Paul Millsap confirmed on Twitter, stating his excitement about returning to the Hawks:
Blessed and Excited to be back with the @ATLHawks!!! Great things ahead. Thank you all for your support.
— Paul Millsap (@Paulmillsap4) July 2, 2015
Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune originally reported the deal as the Magic were waiting to hear back from Millsap as of about 6:30 p.m. ET (yes, time matters, it is the first day of free agency).
The Magic had reportedly contacted Millsap at the opening of free agency at midnight and the two-time All-Star forward was deciding between the two Southeast Division rivals after it came out the Magic were offering a four-year, $80 million deal.
The interest between the All Star and the Magic was a mutual one. It seemed Millsap was legitimately making a decision. And the money was very close — Aldridge reports it is player option for the final year.
The Magic certainly went all in to try to pry Millsap out of Atlanta. They gave him a near-max contract at about $20 million per year to do it. And they offered that critical fourth year. It is not clear if all four years were guaranteed or if any options were involved. With just 68 wins in the last three years, the Magic had to offer something a little extra to get to the table.
They certainly proved willing to do that.
Unfortunately it was not enough. Millsap took a deal that was for fewer years and slightly fewer dollars. It seemed the Hawks always had the inside track so long as they were competitive.
Millsap has had a strange career for sure, and he needed his opportunity to make a big contract.
He was a second-round draft pick who cut his teeth as a rebounder and dirty work player with the Jazz. He slowly built himself up into a quality starter. He finally hit free agency in 2013 and thought he would get a big contract. Instead, he had to settle for a two-year deal at $19 million.
Millsap became a two-time All Star and an integral part of the Hawks’ 60-win season last year.
This summer, he needed to get his paycheck (finally). And he certainly did.
The Magic will have to move on to their Plan B to fill that power forward role. It may mean going after another free agent, or it may mean being more willing to match Tobias Harris‘ offer sheet when he agrees to one.
For fans, the Magic took a big risk and were ready to commit on one of the best free agents on the market. One who certainly would fit the team and its needs. Now they have to move on to Plan B and be ready to adapt from there.