NBA rumors: Warriors might not sign Paul Millsap before season starts
By Ian Levy
The Warriors reportedly have serious interest in signing Paul Millsap. But they might have to wait a while before convincing him to join the team.
The Warriors have reportedly spoken with Paul Millsap, one of the last remaining impact free agents still on the market. They haven’t agreed on anything yet but according to a report by Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer: “Golden State has been the team most often linked by league sources to Paul Millsap.”
However, Fischer also explains that Millsap may wait until the season has already started before deciding on his free-agent future:
"“He has fans across the league, but Millsap’s conversations with teams this summer have revolved around salary figures at or near the $5.9 million tax-payer mid-level exception, sources said.At present, there’s an expectation among league executives that Millsap could ride out an extended offseason, resting his legs after Denver’s run to the 2020 Western Conference Finals and the subsequent sprint that was the 2020-21 campaign.”"
What could Paul Millsap bring to the Golden State Warriors?
It makes sense that Millsap would want to rest his legs and take the early part of the schedule to see which potential suitor might give him the best chance at playing a meaningful role and/or legitimately chasing a title. He is far from his prime but Millsap still has a lot to offer the Warriors or any other potential contender.
Millsap’s defensive versatility has diminished with his declining footspeed but he’s still a savvy defender and may actually have more value at this point playing up a position as a small-ball 5. According to Basketball-Reference’s position estimates, Millsap spent about 20 percent of his minutes playing center last season, the highest mark of his career by a significant margin. He’s made 37.1 percent of his 3s over four seasons with the Nuggets and he’s still an excellent passer who knows how to work as connective tissue on offense off the ball. He’s the kind of high-skill player who could be excellent in a reduced role for Golden State.