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Paul Millsap Trade Rumors: 10 NBA Teams That Should Trade For Him

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots from the foul line during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Atlanta Hawks won 104-72. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots from the foul line during the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Atlanta Hawks won 104-72. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul Millsap trade rumors
Jan 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) attempts a shot defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions

Philadelphia 76ers:

The Philadelphia 76ers need to trade a disgruntled Nerlens Noel (or Jahlil Okafor) before his trade value decreases even further. Noel is a defensive stud who’s not getting enough opportunity in a crowded Philly frontcourt, and though he’s coming back from injury, he’s going to have suitors around the league.

The Hawks would be playing him out of position alongside Dwight Howard, but they can’t pass up that kind of return if they fear losing Millsap in free agency. However, this would be a major risk for a lowly team like the Sixers, because even with Millsap’s Bird Rights, they’d have an incredibly hard time convincing him to re-sign this summer.

Milwaukee Bucks:

Before Milwaukee Bucks fans get all in an uproar, let’s preface this hypothetical by saying there’s a reason it didn’t even make the top 10. Trading Khris Middleton — right when he’s getting close to returning, no less — would be a shortsighted move for a young Bucks team that has a promising future between him, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker.

However, it’s a fun possibility to think about, especially in the case of Milwaukee re-signing Millsap this summer. He’d bolster the defense and lend frontcourt versatility to a team that already has the Greek Freak. Atlanta would get the wing scorer, shooter and defender it needs, while the Bucks accelerate their playoff plans since Antetokounmpo and Parker are thriving already.

Los Angeles Lakers:

The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that desperately needs to avoid this kind of all-in move, especially for a 31-year-old power forward about to hit free agency. The youth movement is in full effect, and patience is a virtue — even for a prestigious franchise accustomed to contending every year.

Then again, Lou Williams‘ trade value has never been higher, and the Lakers would be wise to cash in before this year’s trade deadline.

Giving up Jordan Clarkson and his steal of a contract would be rough, especially to bring in a player who logs minutes at the same position at the power forward spot, but if the Lakers get desperate for a star and veteran leader that they could throw money at over the summer, Millsap isn’t the worst option. Plus, again, that’s why this deal is only an honorable mention.

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