Fansided

5 teams that should trade for Paul Millsap

By Brad Berreman

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) boxes out San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 114-112 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) boxes out San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in overtime at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 114-112 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have shown previous interest in Millsap, both as a free agent before he signed with the Hawks and as recently as last February’s trade deadline. So it’s not a reach to think that interest will be re-ignited now, especially with injuries to Jared Sullinger (foot) and more recently Patrick Patterson (knee) thinning their power forward depth.

Toronto could easily stand pat, and be the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the East come playoff time with the backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan as the driving forces. They did reach the Eastern Conference Finals last year, but three of the Raptors’ four losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers in that series were by at least 26 points with the other a 19-point setback.

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A move to add Millsap would be a sign the Raptors are going all-in for this year. Lowry also has a contract option for next season ($12 million), which he can surely do better than on the open market in a longer deal next summer. Toronto’s competitive window may be closing, at least looking ahead to 2017-18, so Millsap has to be on their radar once again.

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