Denver Nuggets free agent forward Paul Millsap is still on the open market, with many wondering where the veteran will end up.
After the first week of free agency, most of the major players have been selected by teams (along with some role players). With the Nuggets filling the majority of their roster spots on the first day of free agency, including re-signing JaMychal Green, Austin Rivers, Will Barton and adding Jeff Green, it seems that Paul Millsap may be on his way out of Denver.
As The Denver Post‘s Matt Schubert states in his article:
"“[When new Denver Nuggets player] Jeff Green signed a two-year, $10 million deal to join the Nuggets earlier this week, it also spelled the end of the Paul Millsap era for Mile High Basketball.”"
The Denver Nuggets’ free agency moves suggest that Millsap will not be returning to the club, however that leaves the NBA world questioning where the veteran big will take his experience and talents this upcoming season.
While there are a number of teams that can make use of his services, there hasn’t been a lot of concrete information on where Millsap is swaying towards.
While he may not want to sign for a veterans minimum deal, Millsap has been reportedly open to joining the Golden State Warriors on a mid-level exception. However, that market seems to have dried up with the Warriors already at their roster limit if they bring Justinian Jessup over from the NBL (Australia).
The same rumours have circulated surrounding Millsap joining under the same conditions with the Atlanta Hawks, resulting in the potential for the veteran to return to the team he last played for in the 2016-17 season.
Millsap would bring valuable experience to either of these teams, with the big man giving both teams a boost in veteran leadership and mentorship for their young bigs. He would also help their teams push towards championship aspirations, with both Golden State and Atlanta looking to contend in the coming years.
The reigning Western Conference champions have also been rumoured to be interested in the big man, with Phoenix looking to bolster their backup front court after already signing JaVale McGee away from the Nuggets.
Much like Chris Paul, Millsap could be another missing piece the young Suns need to get over the hump and win an NBA championship.
Millsap can still provide a team with defensive capabilities, long-range shooting, leadership, and rebounding, leading to many questioning why the veteran has not been signed yet. Whatever the case may be, Millsap is sure to find himself a home on an NBA roster by the end of free agency.