National Basketball Association

Could the Denver Nuggets Give Up Minimal for Paul Millsap?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (left) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets have been looking for a star to be their focal point, and at one time, they hoped it was Paul Millsap, but could it still be?

There have been many trade rumors circulating around the Denver Nuggets for months. They recently traded Joffrey Lauvergne to the Thunder for a couple 2nd round draft picks. They have been actively shopping Faried and been in the market for a star. One of the more intriguing trade rumors has been the possibility of trading for Paul Millsap.

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However, many fans forget that Millsap has a player option in his contract for this year.

Millsap, who would then be 32-years-old, would be quickly fading out of his prime and worth less than his over $21 million contract.

While some may argue that Millsap will stay in Atlanta, it’s still fun to think about if he did opt-out of his contract after this season. Denver will have a bunch of cap space to offer a free agent a nice max contract. The Nuggets showed they have money to spend this year when they offered Dwayne Wade a massive contract before he decided to go home to Chicago.

This may have been beneficial since Denver will now even have more cap space next summer for free agency. You are correct to think this is a major stretch in landing a star player, but it is not impossible.

May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) dribbles the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the first half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

What Is the Price?

Many fans have been wondering how much we would exactly have to give up in order to get someone like Millsap. The nice thing about this is they may not have to give up half the team to get a star. If he does opt out and become a free agent, the Nuggets could lure him to Denver with a max contract.

No doubt a front court consisting of Millsap, Jokic, Nurkic, and possibly Faried would strike fear into many teams. The harsh reality in today’s NBA is that money talks which could be dreadful for the Atlanta Hawks.

While it is unrealistic to get Millsap for nothing, it isn’t impossible. This would also help lure other key free agents in the future. A quality star like Millsap would be a good example and a nice mentor for the young core.

Of course this requires some of his own doing on Millsap’s part by opting out of his contract, but these type of situations are always fun to speculate about. The fact that Millsap could potentially come to Denver for nothing is an exciting thought for us Nuggets fans.

It also could be a nightmare for the rest of the NBA.