Long speculated, the Denver Nuggets finally sign a major free agent for the first time since Antonio McDyess in 1998. Paul Millsap, formerly of the Atlanta Hawks agreed to a three year, $90 million contract with the Nuggets late Sunday night according to Shams Charania from Yahoo Sports. The contract also features a team option in the third year.
The Nuggets seemed to project that their need was at the power forward position for quite awhile. As evidenced by seeking a meeting with then free agent Blake Griffin, then Millsap. For his part, the 32 year old Millsap has put up gawdy numbers with the Atlanta Hawks for several seasons now, and averaged 18 points per game last season.
What this means for the Nuggets over-crowded front court (power forwards) remains to be seen. It appears that there will need to be trades. Additionally the Nuggets will need to address the situation with small forward Danilo Gallinari who is still on the Free Agent market with a meeting just completed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Denver has never been known as an NBA destination, particularly for free agents. Most of the Nuggets stars have been drafted or traded for. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly and General Manager Arturas Karnisovas, as well as Governor Josh Kroenke deserve a ton of credit for their persistence.
The Nuggets next moves will be key. Stay tuned to 5280 Sports Network for more updates!
