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NBA Trades: 3 landing spots for Nets forward Paul Millsap

By Holden Walter-Warner

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Paul Millsap #31 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on October 29, 2021 in New York City. 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. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Indiana Pacers 105-98. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Paul Millsap #31 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on October 29, 2021 in New York City. 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. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Indiana Pacers 105-98. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 12: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the game against Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 12, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee, NBA Trades: 3 landing spots for veteran forward Paul Millsap. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 12: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the game against Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 12, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee, NBA Trades: 3 landing spots for veteran forward Paul Millsap. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 3 landing spots for Nets forward Paul Millsap – 1. Memphis Grizzlies

At the beginning of the season, it seemed possible that the Memphis Grizzlies would be deadline buyers. Then, Ja Morant went down for a bit. That didn’t matter, though, as he’s back and Memphis is climbing the Western Conference standings with reckless abandon.

Memphis actually has a pretty formidable front line with Steven Adams at center and Jaren Jackson Jr. at power forward. One can provide physicality, while the other has the added element of being able to pop out to the perimeter.

Millsap likely wouldn’t add to the athleticism of the team at this stage of his career, but he can still be a strong presence on the inside. When surrounded by shooters, he could bang around against other bigs the Grizzlies may encounter in the playoffs.

What Millsap would also be able to provide is a veteran presence for a relatively young team, just like he’d be able to do in Atlanta. The Grizzlies have a ton of young players beyond Morant and Jackson who haven’t tasted playoff success yet. Millsap can show them the ropes and how to work like a winner.

The positional fit might be a little awkward for Millsap, as the Grizzlies actually have a good core going at power forward. Both Brandon Clarke and Kyle Anderson average more points off the bench than Adams does as a starter. Xavier Tillman and Killian Tillie are good depth players too.

They don’t carry the same experience, though. And it’s clear from Millsap’s finalists during his offseason free agency that he wants to play for a contender. The Grizzlies fit the bill.

The market around Paul Millsap should form in the coming days as the Nets figure out a future without him. While lacking contemporary star power, he could bring a needed element to any number of teams.

Next. Trade targets for Northwest Division. dark

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