Hawks Waiving Patty Mills; Converting Trent Forrest Contract

The Atlanta Hawks intend to waive veteran guard Patty Mills, opening the door to sign guard Trent Forrest to a standard contract, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Forrest has been on a two-way deal.

Mills, 35, is 6-foot-2 and has played a very limited role, averaging 2.7 points in just 19 games. He was acquired in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in July. He spent last season with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 6.2 points in 40 games.

Mills has long been one of the NBA’s top backcourt reserves, most notably during his younger days with the San Antonio Spurs (2011-21). He spent his first season with the Portland Trail Blazers and carries career averages of 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.6 steals. 

But Mills wasn’t gaining minutes in the absence of the injured Trae Young. So the Hawks have decided to cut him loose.

Forest, 25, is 6-4 and is in his fourth NBA season and second with the Hawks. He has appeared in 20 games and is averaging 2.0 points and 2.1 assists, shooting 41.7 percent from the field.

He spent his first two pro seasons with the Utah Jazz and appeared in a career-high 60 games in 2021-22. Forrest spent all of last season on a two-way deal with the Hawks. His contract for this year is likely guaranteed through the end of the season.

The Atlanta Hawks are waiving guard Patty Mills, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 15-year veteran is shooting 38.2 percent from 3-point range in a limited role this season. pic.twitter.com/6Pdxbz3Kxp

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 29, 2024