Fact or fiction on Chicago Bulls’ biggest NBA trade deadline rumors: Signing Paul Millsap?
It does not seem too long ago that Bulls fans were fawning over Paul Millsap as the bow on top and final free agent acquisition to top off an extremely successful offseason by the front office. Unfortunately, Millsap opted to sign with the Brooklyn Nets and pursue a championship.
Fast forward six months later, and the Nets are on an eight-game losing streak, the Bulls are battling for the East’s top seed, and Brooklyn appears on the verge of implosion amidst the spiraling James Harden and Kyrie Irving reports. If Millsap had the power of hindsight, it’s almost certain he would have chosen to sign with Chicago, where he would have been granted a solidified role and the chance to genuinely compete for a title.
However, things did not pan out that way, and Millsap has not panned out the way Brooklyn had hoped. Through 24 games with the Nets, Millsap is averaging a meager 3.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in just 11.3 minutes per game.
While the former four-time All-Star and All-Defensive player has built an impressive pedigree in the NBA, it’s hard to ignore any doubts his effectiveness as a role player may be coming to an end. That’s no knock on Millsap either, he is just a few days shy of turning 37-years-old and still capable of logging NBA minutes. It’s just that those minutes aren’t providing the same level of production as they used to.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Brooklyn Nets have agreed to help Millsap find a new team and have benched the veteran until that task is accomplished.
Forward Paul Millsap and the Brooklyn Nets have agreed to find the four-time All-Star a new team where he can have a greater contribution, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 21, 2022
If the Bulls did decide to bring Millsap on board in the buyout market, I wouldn’t hate it. You’re not likely to find a better option for free this year. However, I’m not sold he’s still even a good option at all at this point in his career.
I certainly would not agree with the prospect of trading assets away for the league’s ninth oldest player. So while it is possible the front office adds Millsap via the buyout market, I’m putting my faith in the front office to find a solution to Chicago’s frontcourt woes during the NBA trade deadline instead.
Verdict: Fiction
All in all, the Bulls will face a multitude of tough choices ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline. Whether the team decides to invest everything in DeRozan’s career-best season for a potential championship chase or chooses to put their trust in the development of the young core will likely be decided soon. Patrick Williams and Coby White have given the Bulls many memorable moments during their Bulls tenure, but soon we shall know if the youngsters’ time in Chicago is coming to an end.