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Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports that the Portland Trail Blazers have been “sniffing around” Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap, who has been the center of recent trade talk.
If Millsap is traded I think Toronto is the team, he fits a big need there. Portland is also sniffing around. https://t.co/HDooBhePen
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) January 6, 2017
Earlier this week, Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that the Hawks, expecting Millsap to opt out of his contract this summer, are open to parting with the 31-year-old All-Star.
In his 11th NBA season, Millsap is averaging 17.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He is a strong defender and a gifted scorer in the post—both high on the list of the Trail Blazers’ needs.
Now, the likelihood of a trade is yet to be seen (especially with the Toronto Raptors being a better option and a better fit), but, there is historical precedent suggesting that Millsap could be alright with the Trail Blazers, having signed their offer sheet as a restricted free agent in 2009.
What would the Hawks want in return for their best player? The asking price is bound to be high, but the situation is certainly worth monitoring going forward.
The Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings are also rumored to hold interest:
Nuggets and Kings interested in Millsap? Throw in Portland and we can have an arms race for the 8 seed.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) January 6, 2017
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