NBA Free Agency rumors: Suns and T’Wolves out of Millsap pursuit
Paul Millsap is one of the key free agents this summer, but it looks like two key suitors, the Suns and Timberwolves have dropped out.
Free agent forward Paul Millsap was looking for a big payday this summer. He’s about to turn 33 during the next NBA season, and it’s likely his last big contract.
Millsap wasn’t going to find that money with the Hawks, so he decided to pursue other opportunities for a big contract.
The Phoenix Suns were a potential landing spot for Millsap, as they are in need of a veteran presence and power forward. Phoenix reportedly met with Millsap on Saturday, but according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Suns’ front office dropped out of the running.
Sources: Suns out on Millsap pursuit, turning to use cap space to absorb $ dumps paired w/ assets. Open to moving vets, going all-in young.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
The Suns have decided to go in a different direction, depending on their young guys rather than adding big contracts to the mix. As Wojnarowski notes, the Suns would still like to accumulate assets along with potential salary dumps.
The next logical landing spot for Millsap seemed to be Minnesota. The Timberwolves had the cap space and the roster to fit Millsap into the fold. The ex-Hawks forward would fit a need alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and be a veteran mentor in the locker room.
According to TNT’s David Aldridge, the Timberwolves are out of the running now as well for Millsap.
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
As Aldridge alludes to, the final logical landing spot for Millsap seems to be with the Nuggets, who want to add a veteran forward next to Nikola Jokic. Wojnarowski added that Denver will be meeting with the ex-Hawks’ forward on Saturday night.
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They will have a contingent of Gary Harris and some front office executives to make the pitch to Millsap. That would be an interesting move to shift the power in the bottom of the Western Conference.
The Nuggets could very well have one of the best frontcourts in the West if they’re able to add Millsap.