Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Hawks officially moved on from the Josh Smith era by inking veteran power forward Paul Millsap on Wednesday's first day of the signing period.
The Hawks did not announce terms of the deal, though the Atlanta Journal- Constitution previously reported the former Utah Jazz standout agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal.
Millsap averaged 14.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists while starting 78 games with the Jazz last season, making the seven-year pro one of only five players in the league to put up at least 14 points, seven boards, 2.5 assists and 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals in 2012-13.
One of those other players was Smith, who is expected to sign a four-year, $56 million contract with the Detroit Pistons as one of the more sought-after members of this year's free agent market.
Since joining the Jazz as a second-round pick in 2006-07, Millsap has posted averages of 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds and compiled 107 double-doubles over 540 games. The 28-year-old has averaged 16.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists over the past three seasons.
"Paul was one of our top priorities entering the free agency process and we believe he is a great fit with the team and culture that we are trying to build," said Hawks president of basketball operations Danny Ferry. "He is a high-character individual and his toughness, high basketball IQ, and selflessness will add to our locker room and give us versatility on the court."
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