Mike Dunleavy Jr. simply needed time to report to the Hawks after being traded last week. Dunleavy called reports that he was seeking a buyout “pretty inaccurate” and noted that he reported on time after being acquired from the Cavaliers in a deal involving Kyle Korver.
“I think when you get traded, especially someone like myself with three kids, a wife, a family, a lot of stuff going on, it takes some time to get things turned around and get down here,” said Dunleavy after going through his first practice with the Hawks Thursday. “I’m allowed a certain amount of time to do that, which I did. I got here in plenty of time of the 72 hours. All things stop when you get traded. You have to make sure your family is good. Obviously there were reports with the three-team trade and getting moved on. You have to make sure you are going to be kept before you come. That’s kind of what happened. I’m here now and ready to get rolling.”
He spoke with Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer several times during the process – after the Hawks were finalizing the team and seeking another team for Dunleavy. The guard/forward said it didn’t take much convincing to want to play for the Hawks.
“I fit in as far as the way I play,” Dunleavy said. “I move, cut, shoot, pass. That’s the way this team is structured. It’s not a matter of what are you going to do for me or how am I going to fit in. It didn’t take much explaining.”
Budenholzer and several players said the first practice with Dunleavy went well. Budenholzer said he won’t rush to have Dunleavy be a part of the rotations but that he will be available Friday when the Hawks host the Celtics.
“He is a veteran,” Paul Millsap said. “He is a fast learner. He knows our offense pretty well. It’s going to be a good addition.”
Dunleavy, 36, is in his 15th season. He has averaged 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 28.1 minutes while playing in 956 career games (585 starts) with the Warriors, Pacers, Bucks, Bulls and Cavaliers.
He will wear No. 34 with the Hawks.
“I’m excited to come down here,” Dunleavy said. No one is playing better than these guys right now. It’s a good team to join. I’ve played against these guys a lot the last few years being in the Eastern Conference. I have a lot of respect for them. I think I’ll fit in real well.”
About the Author
