Let Millsap chase the money
Millsap has clearly reached the twilight of his career and the biggest question may be what the veteran is worth after being paid $30.5 million to be the team’s fourth or fifth-best player. Though he plays with grit and veteran savvy, his lack of speed can hinder the team defensively and he’s been reduced to a spot-up threat for the Nuggets offensively.
Bringing Millsap back makes sense from a continuity and veteran leadership standpoint but at this point in his career, he’ll hurt Denver more than he can help them unless he’s willing to take on a Udonis Haslem role that sees him coaching more than playing.
The rise of Michael Porter Jr. also dampens the desire to bring back Millsap. Should Porter learn how to be an average defender, which he has the tools for but not the experience, then there’s no reason for the Nuggets not to play MPJ around thirty minutes a night. His role next season, whether he’ll be a starter or scorer off the bench, likely depends on his defensive growth but there’s no doubt that Porter makes Denver more potent on offense.
Millsap will likely play for who plays him the most money anyways but the Nuggets should let him walk in free agency, while trying to replace his veteran leadership with another player. There will be plenty of grizzled vets available this offseason, like Kyle Korver, Tyson Chandler and Joakim Noah.