NBA news update: Mike Dunleavy decides to stay with Atlanta Hawks

By Cris Valencia / Jan 11, 2017 11:29 PM EST
(Photo : (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)) CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 10: Mike Dunleavy #34 of the Chicago Bulls drives around Kyle Korver #26 of the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on February 10, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

NBA cager Mike Dunleavy has changed his mind and decided to stay with the Atlanta Hawks after being traded for Kyle Korver. 

Early reports suggested that Dunleavy does not want to play for Atlanta and that he might make a quick jump to Bay area soon if he is signed by the Golden State Warriors. Dunleavy reportedly decided that he did not want to suit up for the Hawks as he failed to report to the Hawks. 

However, Dunleavy had a change of heart and has reportedly decided to stay with the Hawks. This has been confirmed by Hawk's coach Mike Budenholzer who said that Dunleavy will indeed undergo a physical examination and report to Atlanta this week.  

Speaking high of Dunleavy, Budenholzer said, "I've always liked him as a player, and I told him that. He has such a great basketball IQ [and] just understands the game at a high level. He fits us well."

After the trade deal, Dunleavy was reportedly unsure if the Hawks really intend to use him for the rest of the season. Dunleavy's decision to stay with the Hawks is sparked by the fact that he had been convinced by Budenholzer that he wanted him in their team, Fox Sports reported.

Dunleavy's initial refusal to join the Hawks could have made things complicated for his former team because the Cavaliers could neither have a practice nor play Korver until Dunleavy's situation is resolved.

The Warriors are reportedly considering to sign Dunleavy to receive a buyout from the Hawks and apparently, Dunleavy was actually wanting to be bought out so that he could become a free agent, ESPN reported.

Reports say that he is originally looking forward to play for a championship caliber team. Right now, the Warriors are looking as one of the better contenders for the title aside from the Cavaliers.   

Watch the experts take on the Korver-Dunleavy trade deal: