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NBA trade rumors: Hawks take Millsap off the trade market

Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) grabs a loose ball against Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8). | Reuters/Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks were probably taking a lot of calls for star forward Paul Millsap when teams heard he was on the trading block. After all, Millsap is one of the best two-way players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) right now. But it looks like the Hawks had a change of heart because they have reportedly pulled him from the trade market.

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical has reported that Hawks general manager Wes Wilcox has informed teams that Millsap was no longer available for trade. For now, it looks like the team will soldier on and fight for a playoff spot. Wojnarowski also revealed that the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, and the Los Angeles Lakers were interested in acquiring him, but they would have to wait until the offseason to do so.

The Hawks are currently in fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, so rebuilding the team seems like a bad idea. They have already gifted Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Losing Millsap would have been a huge blow to the team.

KL Chouinard, a writer for Hawks.com, said that Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer has always talked about sustained success, and he thinks that keeping Millsap would help them achieve their goal.

Last week, Millsap told the Atlanta Journal Constitution, that he wants to stay in Atlanta.

"Rumors are rumors. I think we know that. Been down this road before. I think we talked at the beginning of the year that it wasn't going to be the first or the last time. It is what it is. Whatever happens, I think everybody knows where my heart is and where I want to be. But we'll see what happens. The only thing I can worry about and I can do is to go out there and play my butt off every night and try to get wins for this team," he stated.

Now that Millsap is off the market, teams have to look elsewhere for a talented frontcourt player.