Nets guard Patty Mills has declined his $6.2MM player option for next season in order to become a free agent, league sources tell Brian Lewis of The New York Post (Twitter link).
Mills, 33, had a solid season in his first season with Brooklyn in 2021/22, averaging 11.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG and 2.3 APG on .408/.400/.814 shooting in 81 regular season games (48 starts, 29 MPG). He averaged career-highs in three-point makes and attempts, with 2.8 and 7.0, respectively.
Last season was the 13th of Mills’ lengthy NBA career, spending his first couple of seasons with Portland before a 10-year run with the Spurs that included an NBA Championship in 2014. The veteran guard also led the Australian national team to a Bronze Medal at the Tokyo Olympics last summer.
While Mills isn’t quite as quick as he once was, he holds a career three-point percentage of 38.9% and figures to draw plenty of interest from contending teams. He should receive a contract similar in annual value to the one he declined (taxpayer mid-level exception), but he’ll likely be looking for a multiyear deal to maximize his earnings.
Patty gunning for a hawks spot now lol
He’s still a great player. Would be great with the Sixers.
Too short, and fades every season after a hot start.
I had to check on that comment but yeah he does trend down as the season progresses. I still like his game and would give him more rest to help prevent that decline. I think Dallas, Philly, Miami (Heat culture) would be good spots for him
Wow. He’s probably looking for another 2 yr contract.
I’m sad to see him go, but part of the reason he may have left is that he doesn’t see himself getting as much PT with Joey Buckets back.
He wants out of Brooklyn mostly
They have too many small guards, and also he can’t play defense or pass.
Low key if GSW can swap out GPII for Mills that would be deadly yet interesting. Familiarity with Kerr’s offense which is similar to Pop’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if he signed with GSW.
No chance. Signing GPII is a priority for GSW because of his defense.
What about GSW getting both GP2 AND Patty Mills??? They are losing Otto Porter…
Mills is terrible defensively. What is interesting about that? Nobody should want to swap out Payton for Mills. Would Mills want to sign for the minimum and play limited minutes behind Curry and Poole? I doubt it.
Dallas? Cavs?
Cavs
Good for Mills. I’d want out of Brooklyn too. He should get a job on a proper contender that doesn’t have all the drama and divas the Nets have. Maybe the Bucks, Warriors, Celtics etc.
Bucks looking to add star power around Giannis. Would be a perfect fit for both sides tbh. Aging player wanting to play on a contending team. I know they will make a pitch