Shortly after signing with the Toronto Raptors, ex-Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll wrote a letter thanking Atlanta for the time spent there. DeMarre also explains via Bleacher Report Radio that the Hawks had to choose between him and Paul Millsap and ultimately chose Millsap after not being able to fit him in their cap space.

"It was a difficult decision, but when I considered all the factors, it was the right move for me and my family. I’m really excited about my future in Toronto, but it only feels right to say a proper goodbye to the city of Atlanta, which will always feel like a home to me."

"The Hawks organization — from the coaches, to the front office, to the fans, to my brothers in the locker room — gave me so much confidence in my abilities as a player, and it changed my life"

"I’m really going to miss the locker room. It’s a great group in there, and I know they’ll find success for a long time."

"I’m also going to miss getting to watch Kyle Korver shoot the ball.
When I looked into the crowd and saw those #5 jerseys and Junkyard Dog t-shirts, it meant everything to me. Without you guys, I really don’t believe I’d be the player I am today."

via The Player's Tribune

Personally, I don't blame him for leaving; he deserved a bigger paycheck than he was getting with us (Atlanta). But for $15mil per year... "The North" can have him! That doesn't, however, mean I won't miss him and all the hard work he put in for the Hawks. All the best, Junkyard Dog. Maybe we'll see you in the playoffs.