NEWSLETTER
According to Shams Charania, the Brooklyn Nets will reportedly work with veteran power forward Paul Millsap to find a new home.
The 36-year-old signed with Brooklyn this offseason, but he has appeared in just 24 games so far this season. More specifically, Millsap has only found his way in three of the last 18 games, failing to carve out a true rotational role for one of the East’s top-3 teams.
With a search now underway, one has to wonder whether or not the Chicago Bulls could arise as a possible trade suitor. The Bulls were connected to Millsap numerous times this offseason, and he does have a prior relationship with front office leader Arturas Karnisovas thanks to their years in Denver. NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson noted after Charania’s report this evening that the Bulls did finish as a close second in the Millsap sweepstakes this summer.
Was told Bulls finished close second in Millsap sweepstakes when he chose Nets. https://t.co/cTYaPnITh7
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 21, 2022
To be sure, there is no denying it, Millsap has looked his age during his time with Brooklyn this season. The veteran has averaged just 3.4 points with 3.7 rebounds on a 37.6 percent clip from the field during his 24 contests with the Nets. If the Bulls were to pick up the phone, it would surely be with the hope that a change of scenery could tap back into the more reliable, defensively stout Millsap we saw during his previous four years in Denver.
Considering the Bulls’ lack of depth at the power forward position, it could very well be a gamble worth taking. Millsap is a four-time All-Star who has 129 playoff games under his belt. Lack of production aside this season, he would provide the kind of veteran a team like the Bulls might covet. And, again, who knows what a new role might do for his on-court impact.
With all that said, the most important question is how much Millsap will cost. Are we talking a protected second-round pick here or do the Nets think they can get more? The Bulls shouldn’t look to spend really anything substantial on a Millsap pursuit, and they might even be best suited waiting to see if he hits the buyout market later this season.
All in all, it’s a name to keep an eye considering the offseason reports. I wouldn’t bet money that Millsap becomes a Bull, but we can’t forget the team’s clear need at the position.
For more frontcourt options, check this out …
Frontcourt Trade Targets the Bulls Might Want to Consider (Not Named Jerami Grant or Harrison Barnes)https://t.co/5XiMotVpJQ pic.twitter.com/IfpOyFzPEV
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) January 20, 2022
