Aussie NBA star Patty Mills signs GM role with the University of Hawaii, but retirement not on his radar yet

Patty Mills’ future in the NBA – and a potential homecoming to the NBL – is in the spotlight after the Boomers champion’s big career move. Find out more here.

Patty Mills has penned a deal to be General Manager of Basketball for the University of Hawaii, but the role most likely won’t end his illustrious playing career.

Speculation suggested Mills’ 16 years in the NBA could be over after he joined the Hawaii program in a mentorship and development role.

But Code Sports has been told the off-contract veteran guard has no plans to retire at this point and intends to play again next season, either in the NBA or elsewhere.

Sources close to Mills said: “He (Patty) is a free agent now. Still considering all options and will no doubt announce later.”

Mills played 12 games for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024/25 campaign and averaged just 3.1 points in 5.1 minutes of court time.

At 36, he is no longer the starting force of yesteryear, but his experience provides any NBA team with a valuable locker room presence.

It’s why Mills is keen to secure another veteran minimum contract, worth up to $5 million, even if it means he spends the majority of time on the bench.

There is also precedent for NBA players to juggle US College GM roles with a full-time playing career.

Patty Mills reacts after in the men's quarterfinal basketball match between Serbia and Australia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Picture: AFP

Four-time NBA champion Steph Curry is the assistant GM at Davidson, while Atlanta Hawks guard is the assistant GM at Oklahoma.

Mills’ GM gig with Hawaii is a newly created role that aims to use his profile to help leverage the program from a recruiting and community perspective.

The Boomers great’s ties to Hawaii basketball run deep.

In 2022, he sponsored the North Shore Classic, a four-team tournament hosted at the Cannon Activities Center in Laie, where UH claimed the title.

The event showcased the intersection of basketball, community, and culture—a reflection of Mills’ own values.

He is also a longtime resident of Hawaii, having spent the past decade living on O’ahu’s North Shore during the NBA off-season.

Patty Mills celebrates with his bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m deeply honoured to join the University of Hawaii basketball program as the new General Manager,” Mills said.

“This role is not only a professional milestone, but a personal one as well.

“Despite being from different parts of the Pacific region, as someone from the Torres Strait Islands, I feel a strong cultural connection to Hawaii—our communities share deep respect and spiritual connection to the land, sea and sky and the strength of family and tradition.

“I can’t wait to get to work alongside this incredible staff to give back to the game, grow the game and help build something special for Hawaii basketball.”

Patty Mills has been a mainstay of the Boomers program for years. Picture: AFP

University of Hawaii men’s basketball coach Eran Ganot can’t wait to work alongside Mills to grow the program.

The pair’s relationship dates back to their shared history at Saint Mary’s College, where Mills was a two-time all-conference guard and Ganot spent nearly a decade on the coaching staff. Mills made an early impression in Hawaii as a freshman, earning Rainbow Classic MVP honours while leading Saint Mary’s to the tournament title in 2007.

“This is a truly special day for our program,” Ganot said.

“The landscape of college athletics has changed significantly and continues to evolve more toward a professional sports model. Our goal is to boldly navigate these times while staying consistent to the values of our program and the values of Hawaii. Having immersed himself in the island culture for the last decade, Patty shares those values and his love for the islands is abundantly clear.”