The Denver Nuggets are the front runners to sign Paul Millsap in NBA free agency now that the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly out.
Denver Nuggets fans, if you wanted to feel positive that the team may land All-Star Paul Millsap in NBA free agency this summer, you have it. There’s no resolution yet and we haven’t heard much about Millsap’s intentions, but David Aldridge has reported some encouraging developments that the Phoenix Suns’ pursuit “ended abruptly” as the asking price was too high.
Suns indeed abruptly ended pursuit of Paul Millsap, who they were enthusiastic about last night. Price point too high. Helps Minny, Denver.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 1, 2017
Shortly after, Aldridge went on to add that the Minnesota Timberwolves could be out of the run for Millsap, too, helping the chance of an agreement with Denver.
Hearing MIN also may be out of Millsap talks, clearing the way for possible resolution w/Denver, meeting w/him tonight. Would be great fit.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 1, 2017
To conclude the updates on Millsap from the first day of free agency, CBS Sports’ Matt Moore added the expected non news that the meeting “went well,” so now we know the Nuggets have officially made their pitch to Millsap.
Well, for all the Nuggets fans that want to see the team make a significant move (especially after coming close to trade for Millsap over the last year), this is exciting. NBA free agency is more of a waiting game once the initial wave of big agreements are finalized, and Millsap doesn’t need to rush a decision at this point.
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Seeing as the Suns are out and they were high on both Millsap and Blake Griffin (and were willing to offer a lot), it’s clear that Millsap is asking for plenty if the Suns didn’t match his demands. This is Millsap’s last chance to get a max contract, so don’t be surprised if that’s what he gets.
Again, the biggest thing for the Nuggets in this negotiation is not paying Millsap for too many years. A four-year max would be tough to take when overpaying a 36-year-old Millsap at the end of the deal. A three-year contract for top money would look far better going forward.
The Nuggets have emerged as supposed front runners, which is good news by itself. Other teams being unwilling to offer enough could help drive down Millsap’s value as well, even if it’s only slightly. Denver could still offer a max for three years, but they may even be able to sell him on taking slightly less money per season and give him four years instead.
Next: The Nuggets' top targets in free agency
There’s plenty still up in the air, but things are developing well for Denver so far.