Rumors: Charlotte Hornets to Look at Paul Millsap in Free Agency
With Paul Millsap set to be a free agent this summer, a number of teams will be after him and the Charlotte Hornets may be one of them.
According to JD Shaw of Def Pen Hoops, he “believes[s] the #Clippers, #Hawks, #Heat and #Hornets will look at Paul Millsap in free agency this summer.” Although the Charlotte Hornets don’t have money to spend in the offseason, they could trade a few players away in order to create cap space. It makes sense for the team to go after Millsap but only if they are able to trade away Marvin Williams.
The NBA’s salary cap for next season is projected to be at $102 million. With their current roster, Charlotte’s guaranteed salaries combine to equal $102.1 million for next year. After Paul declines his player option for next season, he will likely command a max or near max-level contract in free agency. (DefPen.com)
The only cap space the Hornets have to spend this summer is a Mid-Level Exception of $8.4 million and that wouldn’t be enough to lure Millsap to Charlotte. Even at 32-years old, the Atlanta Hawks‘ power forward will be one of the biggest names on the open market this offseason. Considering his age, it isn’t likely that he will receive a long-term deal but it will still be lucrative.
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Millsap averaged 18.1 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game and 3.7 assists per game this past season. He appeared in 69 games for the Hawks while averaging 34 minutes per game. The 6’8 big man managed to shoot 44.2% from the field, 31.1% from three and 76.8% from the free throw line.
Paul has been named an all-star each of the last four years and he is coming off of a career season. He made $20 million this season so it possible that he could make around the same amount when he signs his next deal. To create that much space, Charlotte would probably need to trade Marvin Williams who is scheduled to make $13.1 million next year in order to not only create cap space but also open the starting power forward spot for Millsap.
They would also need to move another player so that they would have around $18-20 million to spend on the former second-round draft pick. It won’t be easy but if the Hornets intend to make a run at Paul, they will need to make a number of moves before they can seriously consider doing so.
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Considering the Charlotte Hornets’ cap space situation, a contract seems unlikely. Although, a sign and trade could be a possible option if both sides are willing to work out a deal. The team will likely exhaust all efforts this summer as they look to improve their roster.