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Two Potential All-Star Acquisitions: Paul Millsap or Marc Gasol?

Kevin D. Liles-USA TODAY Sports

After the Portland Trail Blazers' miraculous season, Damian Lillard's emergence as a superstar, and C.J. McCollum's as a secondary star, it looks like we are one star player away from true contention. Of course, that's easier said than done.

We've talked on here a lot about how we could accomplish this. Whether it's pipe-dream trade scenarios (which I'm always willing to entertain) for players like DeMarcus Cousins or Paul George, free agency acquisitions like Dwight Howard, Al Horford (my preference), and Hassan Whiteside, or through internal improvement from another of our younger players.

There are a couple names I haven't seen yet to throw in to the mix. They could become available due to their team situations and may be more attainable.

Paul Millsap - The Hawks may be ready to rebuild after a long run of successes ending in disappointments. Jeff Teague is likely to be traded. Al Horford may walk in free agency (hopefully to Portland!), as may Bazemore. if these all happen Millsap would no longer fit their plans.

If Atlanta trades Millsap and Teague that gives them a jump start on their rebuild.

Millsap would be a great fit in Terry Stotts' offense, become our third best player, and provide front court scoring which is currently lacking in addition to decent defense and experience.

Kyle Korver is also an option.

Marc Gasol - Like the Hawks, the Grizzlies have done an admirable job of staying in the playoff hunt despite obstacles and a lack of big acquisitions. But after injuries derailed this season, the sun may set on this era for them.

They began a mini-rebuild by trading Jeff Green and Courtney Lee for draft picks. If Mike Conley leaves in free agent they have little hope in the Western Conference.

Gasol's trade value will be lower after his injuries but if they can get some value it may be time to move on while they can.

Portland would be an amazing fit with a center possessing Sabas-like passing skills, a great low-post and mid-range game, and crafty defense. His leadership and experience would be great assets as well.

What do you think? Would these teams part ways with these two past-their-prime all-stars? What would we need to give up? Does their age and Gasol's injuries scare you off? Would one of them combined with internal development be enough for contention?