Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 names to watch in free agency

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat reacts to a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 6, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat reacts to a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 6, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

PAUL MILLSAP

Paul Millsap was one of the biggest names on the market during 2017’s free agency. He was a great fit in Denver alongside Nikoka Jokic, but after the explosion of Jerami Grant this past season, it is unlikely that the Nuggets elect to keep him over the younger option.

Millsap averaged 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks. He is a really effective floor spacer and defender, two of the best traits from a power forward in Ryan Saunders’s system.

After earning $90 million over the past three years for the Nuggets, it is unlikely that Millsap signs another significant contract, especially now that he is in his mid-30’s. Still, his game ages well and could absolutely warrant a short-term contract with the Timberwolves.

Millsap is a four-time all-star, all of which came during his years in Atlanta. He does not have the sexiest game by any means, but he is a vetern that could help the Timberwolves both win now and develop some of the younger talent on the roster, such as Jaden McDaniels, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Naz Reid.