:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55538351/496459124.0.jpg)
On Friday evening, a report emerged that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets emerged as “frontrunners” to acquire Paul Millsap this summer. Now, another report indicates that Millsap will meet with the Wolves on Saturday.
Paul Millsap has a meeting lined up with the Minnesota Timberwolves today, league sources told Basketball Insiders.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 1, 2017
It comes as no surprise that Millsap would explore every option and, in truth, it could (easily) be argued that the Wolves provide him with the best chance to combine a max-level contract and the opportunity to win. The Houston Rockets have also been linked to Millsap in recent days but it would take more gymnastics to acquire Millsap and, in Minnesota, there is a clearer path.
The Wolves would have to shed salary and centers Gorgui Dieng and Cole Aldrich would be clear options to do so. With that said, a sign-and-trade could be complicated in that Atlanta has clearly expressed an aversion to ugly contracts and Dieng’s four-year deal likely qualifies, or at least approaches, that distinction.
The rumors are flying fast but it looks like Millsap will be sitting down with Tom Thibodeau and company over the weekend. Stay tuned.