Good response as well. So put yourself in Paul's shoes, and see that you have your team coming to you this February with these points to gauge your satisfaction and potential future of resigning with the Hawks. What are your key factors in responding with a yes, its looking likely I'll stay, or no I'm going to give you subtle hints that I'll probably be actively looking next Summer. You might have a different opinion, but to me, if I'm Paul Millsap, here are my top 4 priorities- -Stability (home chemistry(liking the city, kids in school, etc. and team chemistry/comfort) -SHOW ME THE MONEY -Winning and competing for a title -My personal goals and how I want my legacy to be remembered (sounds corny, but this is a real thing) The real swing vote here is obviously going to be the money. If Atlanta is seriously saying they will match whatever anyone out there offers me, its going to be hard to justify everything else just for 1 of those bullet points to be highlighted a bit more than in Atlanta (competing for a title). Just my 2 cents putting myself in Millsap's shoes.
But how are things going to change at the trade deadline? Do we think Millsap, on a winning team is going to leak out to the press that he's unhappy? Atlanta is sneaky good this year, and I wouldn't be shocked if just about everyone in that FO just really loves this team & thinks they are better than they really are. Also I saw someone earlier mention if they are content with the 6th seed, they should just trade for T. Jones since he's cheaper essentially. My response to that would be if T. Jones and Millsap were equal players than why wouldn't Houston want to keep Jones so they could upgrade elsewhere on their roster with the flexibility Jones gives them? You can't just fool them, there needs to be something that the Rockets have that they need. Not trying to sound disagreeable, but I just want people to see how these conversations go with other teams. In Atlanta Millsap is a star to them, and they (a leading majority of the ownership partners) probably think its better and more profitable to have sustained profitability by keeping a team in their current condition (fun local team that operates profitable) than to gut the team and take that risk to start over again. That's the problem with teams that have so many ownership partners that really do care about making return on their investment. Its really, really hard to get deals done with teams like Atlanta especially right now. You need a ballsy GM who can be convincing or trigger happy owner. Neither of which they have right now.
There is absolutely nothing I see in Jones that leads me to believe that he would even rate a salary match addition to a trade for Millsap. If Morey is serious about Millsap the offer probably should start with D-Mo (Horford could move to his natural PF position), Papa (the possible future at the SF position) and the NOP pick. That IMHO is too steep price to pay for Millsap, but why would Atlanta want to trade him? They could easily have home court in the first round of the playoffs this season. In the Eastern Conference.
I heard a rumor that Charlotte and Atlanta are talking Millsap trade. Henderson and Vonleh for Millsap is the rumored deal. I wonder if we could engage them in a three team trade. Perhaps, Henderson/Vonleh/NOP pick to ATL, T-Jones/Jet/K-Pap to CHA, then Millsap/Korver (TPE) to HOU.
I agree with the points of criteria, I think I'd just prioritize them different. As a result it's clear what this really comes down to is what Milsap wants and prioritizes. I think IF money is close or equal, he chooses to go with the better and more title ready team now. Personal legacy is tied to the championship and I think most NBA players don't want to be that guy that accomplished everything except a title. As for home chemistry. The guys been there for just over a season. I don't think he'd have a hard time cutting ties with ATL.
They wouldn't unless they begin to think there's a chance he'll walk. I think this entire scenario hinges on that alone.
Forget the fact that you are a Rockets fan. If you had a mid-season meeting with him as an FO/GM/owner/etc., and all indication was that he was happy, the team was winning, and you knew you would have a front row seat in free agency, would you trade him to the Rockets?
No I wouldn't, but that's the premise of the dialogue. The rox are saving cap space for a situation in which someone like Milsap begins to be dissatisfied. I think if I'm the rox or any other NBA FO looking at the ATL situation it isn't a sure bet he'll be disgruntled. But there's a considerable enough chance to be make it worth being ready if that were to happen. Without some indication that Milsap is interested in exploring options there's no reason to trade him.
I don't but I definitely think Millsap/Horford might get moved if they do. As long as coach is GM though they aren't going to make any moves that will cost them wins this season.
I get it, and i don't think we have what it takes to acquire him or millsap. It's completely contingent on them deciding to rebuild and tank. Any trade with them is. I'll i agree it isn't danillo level buying low, but it's still buying low. He hasn't been playing that great this year and so compared to previous years or even the beginning of the season it would be considered buying low. There was a point where he could net you a harden type haul. Not anymore. I agree we can't convince them to tank. They have to realize it first and we would have to convince them is the way to go. If that was the case here goes... Let's be honest, while you may be a playoff seed right now you are spinning your wheels. Your not going to advance anywhere. You have to start thinking about the future. And after all the deng drama, is most likely better to start a new and re-image yourself. Millsap is going to fetch a big price and could easily leave this off-season, you should cash in before losing him for nothing. I'm willing to trade for him but I'd prefer Horford. He hasn't been happy about playing center and he may want a change of scenery soon. I'll pay you trump price for Horford, but not millsap because his impending FA scares me, as it should you. I'm willing to give you that guaranteed lottery pick, Capella, Jones, papanick or Terry(whichever you prefer) and some seconds. You have any contracts you want to unload I'll pick up the tab for those using my TPE. It's time to start thinking about the future.
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