Report: Paul Millsap opts out of Hawks contract to become free agent

The All-Star forward is reportedly interested in re-signing with Atlanta

Given the nature of the salary cap and the astronomical price tag for quality NBA free agents, it's no surprise to see All-Star level players opt out of their contracts.

That's exactly what Paul Millsap has done, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical:

Atlanta Hawks All-Star forward Paul Millsap has opted out of his $21.4 million contract for next season to become a free agent, league sources told The Vertical.

Atlanta has publicly stated that Millsap will be a top priority in July free agency, and Millsap has expressed interest in re-signing.

The Hawks' front office is in disarray after the re-assignment of former general manager Wes Wilcox and the removal of the second part of coach Mike Budenholzer's title, president of basketball operations. So whoever ends up being hired for those positions will have the daunting and immediate task of re-signing the team's best player.

Millsap averaged 18.1 points and 7.7 rebounds during the regular season to earn his fourth All-Star appearance, but upped those numbers to 24.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in a first-round playoff loss to the Washington Wizards.

Many teams will be interested in the 32-year-old Millsap, a versatile big man who can stretch the floor on offense and protect the rim on defense, so it will be interesting to see if greener pastures become attractive enough for him to leave Atlanta.