Hawks: Patty Mills bids Atlanta a heartfelt farewell following the Heat’s exit.
Following a turbulent season with few playing time with the Atlanta Hawks, veteran shooting guard Patty Mills used social media to express his gratitude to his previous team.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), Mills thanked the city of Atlanta, saying, “Thank you [Hawks] for allowing me to be part of your organization.” Even though it was short, I gained a lot of knowledge and formed friendships that I will always value. On and off the court, I hope I was able to have a beneficial influence. The textbook station will never close.
The 35-year-old guard will now play for the Miami Heat after being dismissed by the Hawks.
According to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel, Patty Mills is expected to replace Dru Smith on the roster. Smith will miss the remainder of the season due to knee surgery.
Mills, who was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder, had a brief tenure with the Hawks this season. In 19 games, he only managed 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds.
Following a prosperous tenure with the San Antonio Spurs from 2012 to 2021, the accomplished Australian guard has had difficulties in Atlanta. For a player with a 15-year NBA career that included a championship win with the Spurs in 2014, Mills found it difficult to settle into a routine with the Hawks.
After playing for the Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio, Brooklyn Nets, and Portland, Mills will now be a member of five NBA teams.
In a flurry of moves at Miami’s guard position, his addition also represents a fresh development. Notably, the Heat sent Terry Rozier to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Kyle Lowry, who subsequently signed a buyout deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
In addition, Josh Richardson’s now-season-ending injury from a dislocated shoulder encouraged Miami to add Delon Wright to the roster last month.
Mills has averaged a respectable 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game over his career.
