Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2019: 20 best players available

By Brendon Kleen

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 09: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket on Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals at Moda Center on May 09, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 119-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 09: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket on Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals at Moda Center on May 09, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 119-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

12. Paul Millsap, F, Denver Nuggets, Team Option/Unrestricted

It’s remarkable how intertwined Millsap’s free agency market has been with his frontcourt mates at various stops. The first time Millsap hit unrestricted free agency as a big-time player, he did so at the same time as his Utah teammate, Al Jefferson, who went to Charlotte on an eight-figure deal while Atlanta stole Millsap on a bargain contract and made the East finals. Now, he hits the market at the same time as his slightly older but superior Atlanta teammate, Al Horford.

The only time Millsap had the chance to explore the market alone, apart from teammates whose resumes and position overlapped with his, was in 2017, and he came away with a lucrative contract from the hungry Nuggets. That deal is coming back to strike Millsap, though, as it always looked unlikely Denver would keep him for the third season at $30.35 million. Millsap, again, will be teams’ third or fourth priority in the frontcourt.

Expect him to be on the radar for younger, up-and-coming teams yet again, who will want to overpay him on a shorter contract. That could include Denver. Perhaps the Nuggets will decline their option on Millsap’s expensive third season but quickly come to an agreement with him on a cheaper two- or three-year deal. From both sides, that seems to make some sense.

In his 13th season, Millsap still contributed on both ends, with his highest true shooting percentage since 2011. The Nuggets’ 10th-ranked defense was nearly three points better per 100 possessions when Millsap was on the court. There is a high demand for forwards who can play great defense, space the floor, and create for themselves.

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