Free Agent Patty Mills Takes His Skills To Eastern Conference Contender

A former World Champion, Patty Mills knows what it takes on the big stage, and he'll bring that veteran experience to a team that hopes to take that final step in the Eastern Conference, as he's decided to take his talents to South Beach. 

Free agent Patty Mills is planning to sign with the Miami Heat, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 5, 2024

Mills was waived by the Atlanta Hawks by the March 1 deadline, making him eligible for the playoffs with the Heat. He played 19 games with Atlanta, but only got off the bench for about 10 minutes a night. 

The Heat are well aware of the playoff experience Mills brings to the table, as he was part of the 2014 San Antonio Spurs that defeated Miami in the Finals. Mills, in fact, has played 95 postseason games in his 15-year career, shooting over 38% from beyond the arc over that time. 

The 35-year-old won the NBA's Sportsmanship Award in 2022, and is known as one of the great leaders in the game. He's averaged nine points and 2.2 assists in his career, while shooting 39% from long distance. 

This isn't Miami's only move to supplement their backcourt in recent weeks, as they also signed Delon Wright in the free agent buyout market.

The Heat currently stand 7th in the Eastern Conference standings, winners of eight of their last 10 games, and they are only a game-and-a-half back of fourth spot and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. 

 Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports