<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>337442</docID> <postdate>2025-02-03 09:09:10</postdate> <headline>Patty Mills takes unexpected turn away from Utah</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-337443" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250131153458041555-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>NBA veteran Patty Mills (right), chatting with fellow Aussie Joe Ingles, has left the Utah Jazz. (AP PHOTO)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Rob Forsaith</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Boomers captain Patty Mills has added yet another chapter to his storied NBA career, joining the Los Angeles Clippers.</strong></p> <p>The Clippers, who bolstered their depth while hunting a playoffs spot, and Utah Jazz, last in the western conference, signed off on the deal ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday (local time).</p> <p>Mills and Drew Eubanks have been traded to the Clippers in exchange for P.J. Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round draft pick and cash considerations.</p> <p>The swap will bring the Clippers under the luxury tax threshold, while pitching Mills into a fresh scrap for back-up minutes at the team he made his NBA debut against in 2010.</p> <p>The longevity of Mills, aged 36 and in his 16th NBA season, is nothing short of remarkable in the star-studded league.</p> <p>The veteran guard was memorably traded three times in the space of 10 days during the 2023 off-season, eventually landing at the Atlanta Hawks.</p> <p>Mills has since suited up for Miami Heat and the Jazz, who he averaged 4.4 points for in a 17-game stint while providing much-needed leadership in a young squad.</p> <p>The indigenous icon ticked off a major milestone this season, becoming the first Australian to play 1000 NBA games.</p> <p>Mills' shooting has long been a strong suit, but the Canberra product has garnered plenty of praise from teammates and pundits in the US for his leadership and fervent support from the bench.</p> <p>Mills, whose 2024-25 deal is worth $US3.3 million ($A5.3 million), is uncontracted beyond the end of this season.</p> <p>Widely considered Australia's most successful basketballer, Mills' NBA journey started when drafted with pick No.55 in 2009.</p> <p>It hit an almighty high in 2014, when he made it on to the floor in all five games to help San Antonio defeat Lebron James' Miami Heat in the championship-deciding series.</p> <p>Mills became the first indigenous Australian to carry the flag into an Olympics opening ceremony in 2021, when he also led the Boomers to a breakthrough bronze medal.</p> <p> </p> </body>