With free agency right around the corner, teams will be looking for ways to upgrade their roster. Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap is a potential target for several teams.
While it may be disappointing for Nuggets fans that Denver is out of the hunt for the championship this season while Jamal Murray recovers from a torn ACL, the team has plenty of decisions to make in free agency.
One of these decisions includes whether the team should re-sign veteran forward Paul Millsap.
Millsap, who grew up in Colorado, has served as a valuable member of the Nuggets organisation for the past four years, playing as both a starter and a key member off the bench during this time. However, as time has gone on, some fans have questioned the veteran’s continued stay with the team. While Millsap is certainly a good locker room presence, his game has declined due to his age.
Alongside the Nuggets young core, Millsap has continued to be one of the highest-paid players in on the roster. Is that something he still wants entering the twilight of his career? Or is he happy on the minimum?
While Millsap may very well rejoin the Denver Nuggets, there are multiple teams that could use his skillset at this stage of his career to further their own championship aspirations.
Teams that could sign Paul Millsap away from the Denver Nuggets: Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are likely to be on any list discussing upcoming veteran free agents, with the real chance of a championship likely to attract many individuals coming towards the end of their careers.
While Denver is still in major championship contention, the Nets are absolutely stacked on paper and are higher favorites for next season.
A team consisting of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving is always going to be a championship favourite and the addition of Paul Millsap would really help the team. He could provide a similar role that LaMarcus Aldridge before he retired.
Millsap can provide veteran leadership and can shoot the ball well, providing Brooklyn with another solid option off the bench to join their other veteran players. Offering a rebounding presence and another offensive threat will help the Nets continue their strong form as they push towards a championship.
Teams that could sign Paul Millsap away from the Denver Nuggets: Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are another team in need of veteran leadership and a solid backup big.
Boston has often struggled without veteran leadership, with the team relying on the talents of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to get them through the postseason. However, with the trades of Tristan Thompson and Moses Brown, the Celtics are in need of a big man and some veteran leadership.
Enter Paul Millsap, who can provide both for the team. His leadership has helped the Nuggets succeed and moulded them into championship contenders. He can provide defensive, offensive, and rebounding opportunities for this young Boston team.
However, as mentioned throughout the piece, Millsap’s best asset he will bring to any team is his locker room presence, which will prove vital for this young Boston team hoping to make a name for themselves in a tough Eastern Conference.
His addition could help the team make that next step towards greatness, and provide both Tatum and Brown with a good mentor.
Teams that could sign Paul Millsap away from the Denver Nuggets: New Orleans Pelicans
Another team that could use the help of a veteran like Millsap is the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are a team on the rise, with young studs such as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball on the roster. With the addition of dominant big man Jonas Valanciunas, the Pelicans will be looking to make a push towards the playoffs next season.
Adding Paul Millsap to this roster would provide them with a solid veteran who has proven himself and has playoff experience which will be essential in preparing this young team to make a splash in the postseason.
At the sake of sounding repetitive, Millsap’s veteran leadership would be vital for this team, with a particular focus on providing Zion with a valuable mentor.
Millsap could help Williamson develop his long-range shooting and his jump shot in general, helping Zion develop into a more well-rounded player and providing him with more ways to dominate.
New Orleans certainly have a bright future and Millsap could help accelerate their ascent into the playoffs.