/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69661445/usa_today_16113132.0.jpg)
According to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, the Boston Celtics have listed Patty Mills as one of their free agent targets.
Hearing that the Celtics have a list of "seven or eight" free agent targets, including Spurs point guard Patty Mills. ... Discussions between team and Evan Fournier are ongoing, but not close to resolution.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) July 30, 2021
This shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise considering Boston’s lack of backcourt depth. While many Spurs fans would undoubtedly be sad to see Mills potentially leave, it makes sense for him to go elsewhere considering the surplus of guards that San Antonio has on its roster. Going to Boston likely ensures that Mills would be able to play in some meaningful playoff games as well, something that isn’t a guarantee if he stays on the Spurs.
However, the veteran might have to take a pay cut if he decides to join the Celtics, as they would likely only be able to offer him the taxpayer’s mid-level exception (which is worth just under $5.9 million annually). At 32 years old, Mills is still a useful player who averaged 10.8 points while shooting 37.5% from three last season — although his numbers dipped as the grueling COVID-condensed schedule wore on, so it wouldn’t be shocking if another team swoops in and offers him a more lucrative deal.
Regardless of what happens, Mills will always be a fan favorite in San Antonio and has contributed greatly to the organization both on and off the court. In the meantime, we can all enjoy watching him turn into prime Michael Jordan for the Australian national team and see how far he can lead the Aussies in the Olympics.