NEWSLETTER
Considering the players still available in the open market, it’s hard to think of a better possible signing than Paul Millsap.
In fact, it’s so hard that everyone and their mother has tweeted about why the Bulls should make a Millsap pursuit over the last couple of weeks. Not only is he a well-respected veteran presence that fits the scope of this sudden win-now Chicago team, but he is still a reliable player at a position of major need for Arturas Karnisovas.
The Bulls Are “Pursuing Free-Agent Forward Paul Millsap”https://t.co/gUFrIX3RsS pic.twitter.com/eGjkl2Urqk
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) August 30, 2021
• Last season might have been the first time since 2007-08 that Millsap failed to average double-digits and at least 5.0 rebounds per game, but he still gave Denver a steady hand who could check guys on defense and make the right play on offense. The Bulls would love to have both qualities on this revamped roster, especially the former. At 36, Millsap would come to Chicago and be a true defensive anchor for the squad’s second unit frontcourt. And with 129 games of playoff experience under his belt, he could prove valuable closing out games as the season drags on.
• The question is whether or not Millsap views Chicago as a place worth playing. The big man is not getting any younger, and The Athletic also reported interest from the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers. While the Clippers’ immediate future is in question with the health of Kawhi Leonard, there is no denying those parties have a more proven track record than the Bulls. Not to mention, the Nets seem to be ready to offer Millsap a starting job next to their three stars. Would the Bulls give him that over their No. 4-overall pick? Doubt it. But what Karnisovas can sell Millsap on is a much more important role. Again, as a rotation built around offense, Millsap would undoubtedly be a vital part of this team’s defensive identity. I also have to imagine he would command plenty of respect and say behind the scenes as by far the team’s oldest talent.
• Speaking of which, the fact Chicago is in the mix with teams like the Nets and Clippers and Warriors for a coveted vet like Millsap is pretty refreshing, isn’t it? Whether a deal gets done or not, it’s just nice to see this front office continue their efforts to balance out this roster and add players who immediately impact winning. Also, by simply being involved, it demonstrates that they see themselves as an attractive destination that experienced talent like Millsap should consider.
• Last thing on Millsap: Remember he and Karnisovas worked together in Denver. Could that prior relationship help lure him to Chicago?
• Trying to sell a win-now effort AND playing trade market hardball? WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE BULLS (AND WHATEVER YOU DID WITH THEM … KEEP DOING IT)!? The Athletic’s Shams Charania provided us with a few finals details on the Markkanen situation, and we now know the big man was not lying when he said his camp has offers from “several teams.” According to Charania, the Mavericks, Pelicans, T-Wolves, Spurs, Kings, and Celtics all had an interest in acquiring the big man. The Bulls turned down several deals, and that approach reportedly made many around the league believe the front office wanted to keep Markkanen in Chicago.
For executives around the league, the message appeared to be that the Bulls did not want to move Markkanen, even though it is clear the former No. 7 pick wanted a fresh start and asked out. Markkanen fully expected to be part of the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade package to San Antonio, but Chicago is believed to have pulled him from the proposal, sources said.
• As we’ve written before, there are many worse outcomes than keeping a seven-footer who can drain 3’s, so I think there was a world where AKME remained comfortable with the idea of Markkanen possibly returning. At the same time, I think the preferred conclusion was always that the 24-year-old found a new home. The front office just wanted to make the message clear that they would not strike a sign-and-trade unless the offer was sexy enough. A package of Derrick Jones Jr., a first-round pick, and a second-round pick was plenty sexy.
• Speaking of that first-rounder, this is an important point from Mr. Gottlieb. The addition of Larry Nance and the stall in any Lillard trade drama is great for the Bulls’ chances at having a second first-round pick next season (or another tradable asset!).
Good news for the Bulls – just got Blazers lotto protected pick https://t.co/zUfH4nRtRc
— Will Gottlieb (@wontgottlieb) August 30, 2021
• #JustGarPaxThings
Darren Collison is in the news and that just reminds me that the Bulls definitely drove him to retirement that’s my story and I’m sticking to it
— Jason Patt (@Bulls_Jay) August 30, 2021
• NOT SOON ENOUGH.
The NBA season begins in 49 days.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) August 31, 2021
• Now do Justin Fields.
Patriots Releasing Cam Newton So Rookie Mac Jones Can Start Week One – https://t.co/BlCRf63OyJ pic.twitter.com/iQjrK21l5q
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) August 31, 2021
• Get that bag, boy!
Blackhawks Sign Connor Murphy to a Four-Year Contract Extensionhttps://t.co/ew2halQqsv
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) August 31, 2021
• Wait, the Cubs STILL have to play!?
Series Preview: Cubs at Twins, August 31 – September 1, 2021 – https://t.co/V56DJ5Nkyz pic.twitter.com/qxcndN3D7I
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) August 31, 2021
