Paul Millsap Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Kyler’s Latest: Kings, Gasol, Magic, Bucks, Jazz

January 15th, 2013 at 10:19am CST by Luke Adams

Steve Kyler's latest piece for HoopsWorld is packed full of updates on players who could be on the move before this season's trade deadline. Kyler covers plenty of ground in his column, so let's dive right in and round up the highlights….

The Kings' uncertain ownership situation may result in a quiet trade deadline in Sacramento. While the situation could change between now and February 21st, Kyler says that for now the team appears "frozen in terms of making deals."
Kyler suggests it's possible the Grizzlies will explore ways of getting below the luxury tax line that don't involve trading a big contract like Rudy Gay's.
The Lakers aren't engaged in any trade talks involving Pau Gasol, and may not seriously explore a Gasol deal unless they fall out of the playoff hunt by the deadline.
While J.J. Redick is drawing plenty of interest, rival teams have also called the Magic about Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson. If Orlando makes a move, the club would like to include Glen Davis or Hedo Turkoglu to shed some long-term salary.
Pointing to Andrew Bogut as an example of an injured player who was dealt last season, Kyler warns not to rule out Anderson Varejao as a trade candidate.
The Bucks are much more inclined to move players like Beno Udrih, Drew Gooden, and Samuel Dalembert than Monta Ellis or Brandon Jennings, but those secondary pieces aren't drawing much interest.
Al Jefferson seems more likely than Paul Millsap to re-sign with the Jazz this summer, though clubs have been in touch with the Jazz about both players.
The Spurs "will be dealing" DeJuan Blair before the deadline, according to Kyler.
Derrick Williams appears unlikely to be moved by the Timberwolves while Kevin Love remains sidelined with his broken hand.
Several teams have been calling the Suns to inquire on Marcin Gortat. The Rockets are one team believed to have interest.

Latest On Trade Candidates From Reno

January 11th, 2013 at 7:40pm CST by Sean Highkin

Marc Stein of ESPN.com attended the NBA D-League Showcase in Reno, Nevada this week, where many NBA GMs and executives were present. He posted a roundup of trade-related chatter he heard during the event:

The Raptors are making the hardest push for Rudy Gay, offering the Grizzlies a package that includes Jose Calderon and Ed Davis. Memphis is still undecided as to whether they will move Gay.
There is a growing sense from front offices around the league that the Lakers will not ultimately trade Pau Gasol this season.
Teams have continued to ask the Kings about DeMarcus Cousins, and were told that he is not available.
A source told Stein that it is highly unlikely the Bucks will move Brandon Jennings before the end of the season.
The Jazz are more likely to trade Al Jefferson than Paul Millsap, even though both are free agents this summer.
The Hornets are not expected to trade Eric Gordon, despite previous rumors that he may be available.
Despite his recent statement that he intends on staying retired, the Nets are still making a hard push to convince Phil Jackson to be their next head coach.
Stein lists several players as having been made known to be available by their teams, including the Raptors' Andrea Bargnani, the Spurs' DeJuan Blair, the Cavs' Omri Casspi, the Rockets' Cole Aldrich, and the Bucks' Drew Gooden, Samuel Dalembert, and Beno Udrih.

Odds & Ends: Millsap, Blair, Pistons, Cavs

January 9th, 2013 at 4:48pm CST by Luke Adams

As we wait to hear the next development in the Sacramento Kings/Seattle investment group story, let's check in on a few other odds and ends from around the NBA….

It's a transition year for Paul Millsap, who has been the subject of trade rumors and faces unrestricted free agency in July. As he tells Ian Thomsen of SI.com, Millsap hopes to stay put, but will understand if the Jazz trade him next month: "At least somebody wants you, so you can't really be hurt about that. I don't have a problem with change if that's the case. I feel like I'm a guy that can adjust to whatever situation is thrown in front of him. For me, I hope it's here [in Utah]. But if not, you know, I've got to go.''
Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld suggests the Spurs may lower their asking price in DeJuan Blair trade talks now that the club appears close to signing big man Aron Baynes.
The Pistons might not make a major move before the trade deadline, but they have more assets of value than expected, says David Mayo of MLive.com.
Grantland's Zach Lowe examines how Anderson Varejao's leg surgery will affect the Cavaliers, and what the team's roster-building strategy may look like going forward.
Rockets GM Daryl Morey views his team's roster as "stable" and doesn't expect to add anyone he sees at the D-League showcase in Reno, but he's in attendance anyway, as Alex Raskin of HoopsWorld writes.
There's no quick fix out there for the Kings, who are more than just one or two moves away from contending, opines Brian Blomster of the Sacramento Bee.
Mike James doesn't figure to be a difference-maker for the Mavericks, but the team is hoping he can offer what Derek Fisher was supposed to, according to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News.

Sefko On Howard, Trade Targets, Chemistry

January 8th, 2013 at 10:36pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Eddie Sefko of SportsDayDFW answered questions from fans on Tuesday about the current state of the Mavericks among other rumors. Here are some of the more noteworthy topics of discussion from his chat:

Three centers that should be on the team's list of targets this summer include Al Jefferson, Andrew Bynum, and Dwight Howard. He also thinks that either Paul Millsap and/or Jefferson are destined to be dealt from the Jazz, and that the Mavericks' projected draft position at this point could garner a high enough pick to offer for one of Utah's big men.
From the above list, the team should still have a shot at landing Howard, depending on if the Lakers continue to struggle.
Jose Calderon will be in very high demand near the trade deadline and should be on Dallas' radar. While he hasn't heard anything with regard to Devin Harris being on the trade block in Atlanta, Sefko notes that the former Mavericks player is in the last-year of his deal and would instantly become the team's starter if they were to somehow acquire him.
Despite the team's struggles at this point in the season, there doesn't seem to be any serious issues in the locker room. He also thinks that Rick Carlisle has the ability to keep the team from splintering.
Considering that players picked up off of amnesty last summer can't be traded this year, it's one reason to advocate an increased role for Elton Brand.

Poll: What Should The Jazz Do?

January 3rd, 2013 at 10:46pm CST by Alex Lee

Gordon Monson of the Salt Lake Tribune wrote an interesting column today regarding the current state of the Utah Jazz. Despite having a roster filled with talented young pieces and valuable veterans, a variety of factors have the Jazz trapped in NBA mediocrity.

Most important, they simply aren't good enough as currently constructed and will likely be a fringe playoff team. Additionally, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson are both unrestricted free agents at the end of the year. Utah has never been a traditional landing spot for big name free agents, nor has it had a great track record of keeping its best players (see Deron Williams). So what should the Jazz do?

The easy answer is to move Millsap and Jefferson this season for draft picks and/or young assets, especially when you consider that the team's best young players – Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward and Enes Kanter – play similar positions to them and would receive valuable bumps in playing time. That is essentially what they did with Williams. But compiling a team of 20-to-24 year olds, while it looks good on paper, is a risk in itself. For every Oklahoma City Thunder type result, there are teams that spend a decade in the lottery taking this approach.

Should Utah decide to make a run at a playoff spot, they could keep their big man duo and either attempt to re-sign one or both of them after the year or look to replace them with other free agents. But again, the Jazz have had limited success luring any free agents to Utah, much less impactful ones.

Every option comes with a certain level of uncertainty. So what would you do if you were running the Jazz? And please, feel free to expand on your selection in the comments section, especially if you selected "Other."

Odds & Ends: Millsap, Jackson, Cousins, Holiday

December 31st, 2012 at 1:08pm CST by Zachary Links

Last night at the Staples Center, the Clippers topped the Jazz 107-96 to complete a perfect 16-0 December. The Jazz were within three points heading into the fourth quarter, but left forward Paul Millsap on the bench for all twelve minutes. When asked if he was frustrated by that after the game, Millsap responded, "What you think? I'll let you answer that," according to Jody Genessy of the Deseret News (on Twitter). Millsap has been a rumored trade candidate for some time as he plays out the final year of his deal in Utah. Here's more from around the Association..

Most executives that Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio spoke to seem to think Phil Jackson will consider coaching the Nets. “With Phil, it’s all about how much control he has,” said one GM. “I think he’s probably OK with not winning another championship. It’s more about getting the most from his team without a bunch of annoying interferences.”
Amico also writes that even though the Kings have denied they’re trying to trade DeMarcus Cousins, multiple sources say they have taken Sacramento's calls. The asking price, however, "is way too high right now," according to one opposing GM.
Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game (on Twitter) asked a handful of NBA GMs to "re-do" the 2009 Draft knowing what they know now. The collective results had Clippers forward Blake Griffin still at No. 1, James Harden going second instead of third, and Jrue Holiday jumping from 17th to third.

Odds & Ends: LeBron, Balkman, Magic, Millsap

December 27th, 2012 at 2:11pm CST by Luke Adams

The teams with the best records in the NBA are hosting the only two games on the schedule tonight, as the 21-6 Thunder, facing the Mavericks, will look to bounce back from a Christmas Day loss, while the 22-6 Clippers set sights on their 15th straight win with the Celtics in town. As we look forward to those contests, let's round up a few odds and ends from around the NBA:

While many people around the NBA believe that LeBron James is considering an eventual return to the Cavaliers, SI.com's Ian Thomsen doesn't think that would necessarily be the best move for LeBron's career.
Ex-Knick Renaldo Balkman appears on his way to play in the Philippines in the new year, according to agent Sheryl Reyes (link via Emiliano Carchia of Sportando).
Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel looks back on 12 months of drastic change for the Magic.
Within his preview of a few 2013 NBA storylines, Tom Ziller of SBNation.com focuses on the big decisions coming in Los Angeles and David Stern's last full year as NBA commissioner.
Michael Scotto of RealGM.com talks to Paul Millsap about his contract situation, and speculates about possible suitors for the power forward next summer in free agency.
Russell Westbrook's five-year extension kicks in this season, and The Oklahoman's Jenni Carlson argues that his ability to overcome lapses is the key to the future for the Thunder.
Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game takes to Sulia to explore why GMs like the Rockets' Daryl Morey receive more praise than less media-friendly GMs with comparable track records like David Kahn of the Timberwolves.
Dwight Jaynes of CSNNW.com warns Trail Blazers fans not to get too attached to J.J. Hickson, suggesting the team's best move may involve moving him before the trade deadline. We rounded up a few rumors relating to Hickson and the Blazers this morning.

Jazz Won’t Rush To Trade Millsap Or Jefferson

December 24th, 2012 at 3:43pm CST by Zachary Links

With Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap both headed for unrestricted free agency this summer, many have speculated that the Jazz could be looking to move one or both of the big men before the February trade deadline. However, the Jazz have trading Jefferson and/or Millsap as a low priority, so long as they remain in the playoff hunt, sources near the Jazz tell Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.

If things change, General Manager Dennis Lindsey & Co. believe that it'll be easy to find a suitable deal for either player. Despite Jefferson's inconsistency and Millsap's lack of size for the power forward position, both players should still net a decent return for Utah. Jefferson is averaging 16.2 PPG with 10.2 RPG while Millsap is putting up 14.7 PPG and 8.1 RPG.

The Jazz are currently 15-14 (.517), a mark that would put them in the lottery if the playoffs were today. Utah will have to pick up the pace over the next eight weeks in order to justify holding on to their frontcourt stars.

Poll: Should Jazz Trade Millsap or Jefferson?

December 19th, 2012 at 9:46pm CST by Zachary Links

Utah's two premier frontcourt players, Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap, are both set to hit restricted free agency next summer. Jefferson is earning $15MM in his walk year while Millsap is making a much more modest $7.2MM on the tail-end of a four-year, $32MM deal. The Jazz are doing just fine at the .500 mark, but the team they currently have in place isn't likely to be their first squad to appear in the Finals since 1998.

Earlier today, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated asked if the Jazz should trade Jefferson, Millsap, both, or neither. Both writers were in agreement on what General Manager Dennis Lindsey should do – make every attempt to keep Millsap while working the phones to find a deal for Big Al. Jefferson, they argue, hasn't grown much defensively and figures to be the costlier option between the two. It's hard to really put a value on either player, however, and it'll be the open market that dictates each of their price tags. Sticking with Millsap would leave Utah with a more competent defensive presence and a tough rebounder that can complement Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors nicely. Of course, they could also jettison both before the trade deadline and completely overhaul the team once more. Or, Lindsey & Co. could go into this summer with their checkbooks in hand, hoping that neither player prices themselves out of Utah. What would your choice be?

Aldridge On Raptors, Varejao, LeBron, Thunder

December 17th, 2012 at 12:25pm CST by Chuck Myron

TNT's David Aldridge checks in as usual on a Monday with his Morning Tip column at NBA.com, and this week's edition is full of trade rumors as talk heats up around the league. Here's a digest of Aldridge's latest scuttlebutt, with a heavy focus on the Raptors.

While Andrea Bargnani's elbow injury will keep him out for a month, delaying trade talk, one rival GM is convinced he'll eventually be leaving the Raptors, feeling as though there's no doubt GM Bryan Colangelo will trade him.
The Raptors are leery of adding another international player, according to Aldridge, which would make them reluctant to trade for Pau Gasol.
Aldridge speculates the Raptors won't deal Jose Calderon to the Lakers, and instead ship him somewhere for a draft pick to create a massive trade exception. Aldridge writes that such a trade exception would be $15.6MM, but I believe it would be closer to $10.6MM, reflecting Calderon's salary.
A league executive speculates that the Cavs will hold on to Varejao through the summer of 2014, when LeBron James can become a free agent, so they can make a pitch to their erstwhile superstar. In any case, the Cavs have set Varejao's asking price too high for other teams' tastes, as they often do with their many of their players, according to Aldridge.
Though the Thunder are reportedly content to stand pat for now, Aldridge believes they could try to move the Raptors pick they got from the Rockets in the James Harden trade, speculating that one of their targets could be Varejao.
Aldridge spoke with a GM who joins the seeming consensus that the Jazz are more likely to deal Paul Millsap than Al Jefferson. The GM believes Jefferson is a better fit with Derrick Favors.
The Bucks want an upgrade at small forward, and Aldridge thinks the team is more likely to move "one of its undersized four or oversized threes" than trade Brandon Jennings or Monta Ellis.
The Wizards are open to trading one of their big men for veteran help at the point, where they're woefully thin in John Wall's absence.
The Pacers are willing to tinker, but aren't putting Paul George or George Hill on the table.
No one aside from Jrue Holiday is off-limits as the Sixers seek a big man, though it would take a lot to pry Thaddeus Young or Evan Turner from their hands.