Paul Millsap (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors could be the team needing Paul Millsap the most, but the Cleveland Cavaliers could also be a potential destination for the All-Star forward.
Rumors around the league about the Atlanta Hawks open to trading Millsap have put contending teams on alert for the veteran forward's services. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein, the Hawks have been fielding offers for Millsap in fear of losing him in free agency, and the Raptors have been reported as one of the teams interested in acquiring the 31-year-old.
The Raptors have long been intrigued by adding another All-Star to help them get over the hump and win their first NBA championship. Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated also stressed out the need for the Raptors to acquire Millsap, insisting that now could be the right moment to make a move for the Hawks forward.
"Toronto makes too much sense as a landing spot for the talented, three-point shooting big who can also anchor a defense. Millsap's skills make him a fit virtually anywhere, but putting him in Toronto creates perhaps the biggest Finals roadblock for LeBron since his return to Cleveland," Nadkarni wrote.
However, in the same report, Nadkarni also indicated that the Cavs could be the "nuclear option" for the Hawks and Millsap if none of the several potential trades come to fruition.
"Kevin Love for Millsap works-so does Love and Mike Dunleavy for Millsap and Kyle Korver. Love is having his best season as a Cav, and this is easily the most unrealistic scenario being discussed here, but if I'm Cleveland's front office, a deal like this deserves at least one clandestine, back-room conversation," Nadkarni added.
A Love for Millsap swap scenario has long been talked about in the rumor mill, especially during the off-season when fans have yet to witness Love's new-found niche in Cleveland. Millsap's versatility on both ends of the floor could be a tremendous boost for the Cavs, but Love's one-way game has proven effective this season in Cleveland, with the latter averaging 21.8 points per game, while shooting 44.8 percent from the field, including 39.7 percent from beyond the arc.
On the other hand, Millsap could be a better fit playing alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Millsap's ability to draw defenders on isolation plays would cause some major problems on opposing teams. His ability to defend multiple positions would also be a huge help for the Cavs come postseason.
It is unclear whether the Cavs would consider such move, but trading Love for Millsap could be highly unlikely at this point of the season. Millsap's impending free agency is enough reason for the Cavs to stay away from such conversation.
Likewise, the Raptors should also be cautious in trading for Millsap, especially if it would cost them a key player or two. But at the right price, expect the Cavs and Raptors to trip over in adding his services.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
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