Paul Millsap landed a massive, three-year, $90MM deal with the Nuggets following the 2016/17 season and while there was initially a frustrating adjustment period filled with injuries, he’s happy with where he is now.
“I could see myself being here long-term, for the rest of my career,” Millsap told Mike Singer of The Denver Post. “I can see this organization and this group of guys making a nice play at the championship. I feel like there’s a lot of youth, a lot of growth that can be made and you add that on top of what we’ve done this season with experience and you’ve got yourself a championship-caliber team. Definitely want to be a part of that, but I’ll deal with that when it gets there.”
Millsap’s contract contains a $30MM team option for next season. Denver has roughly $90MM in guaranteed salary on its books next year and the franchise will tiptoe over the luxury tax line should it bring him back with the current roster.
“It’s something that we’ll discuss at the end of the season with management, but I want to do something that fits for everybody,” Millsap said of his contract. “We’ll see.”
The most likely path for Millsap returning next season appears to be working out a new deal once the Nuggets declines his option, although that’s simply my speculation. The power forward has been a key contributor for Denver since the All-Star break, scoring 16.2 points per game (good for third on the team) during that stretch.
Millsap is much older than some of his teammates. Players like Jamal Murray and Monte Morris are each at least a decade younger than the 2006 second-round pick. Coach Mike Malone appreciates having a respected veteran around the squad.
“When he speaks, it carries such [weight]… because he picks his spots. Some guys that talk all the time, you start to tune them out a little bit,” Malone said. “I think he’s got a calming influence.”
HAH! You AGREED to the TEAM OPTION.
Team options the MOST TEAM FRIENDLY.
ZERO guaranteed if a team option get declined.
Team Options WORSE than partial guarantee, makes team more likely to decline. You agreed to the three year $90 million contract with third and final year team option at $30 million team. It’s a three year $90M contract with $60M guaranteed. It’s like a football contract. If Nuggets are smart, you have no “future” if/when they decline the team option, and let market dictate your price. Another player exactly in your boat, worse team — Jabari Parker, he has a $20M team option, that will also get declined.
It’s the same than player option, if the player is doing great the team will pick it or him test the market, if the player is doing bad the team will let him go or he will opt in… so really each one is as bad as they get depending which side you look from, right?
Lol we know what a team option is
Worse than partial guarantee, for players.
I know you’re being sarcastic, but it’s a genius move by a team, and wish my team have them out, more often.
They are declining that 30M or they r bozos.