3. Paul Millsap
Finally, on to the three sexiest candidates that the Suns have little chance of signing. Still, for a franchise that needs a star player, McDonough has to try. If he strikes out on star players like Love and Aldridge, downgrading to that second-tier star of Paul Millsap’s caliber certainly wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
Millsap, who was last seen playing with the Atlanta Hawks on an absolute steal of a contract (two years, $19 million), will probably be worth significantly more than that this summer. But since he’s already 30 years old and since his numbers slightly declined last year, there’s a chance Phoenix could work something out.
However, this will likely be Millsap’s biggest payday, and since he’s eligible for a max deal starting at $18 million, the Suns could easily be outbid by a more desperate suitor unless Phoenix makes some moves to increase their spending money.
Millsap would be a tremendous fit for his rebounding, interior toughness and perimeter shooting ability, but overpaying for a 30-year-old who won’t be the superstar to lead the Suns to the promised land might not be the ideal approach. Then again, he’s a more realistic target than Aldridge or Love appear to be right now, so perhaps Phoenix should take what they can (possibly) get.
Next: No. 2