Washington Wizards: Assessing a Potential Trade For Paul Millsap

Washington Wizards must add real talent to their roster to compete for a championship and Paul Millsap might be available through trade.

The recipe for winning basketball games at the highest level isn’t a secret. Teams with the most talent are typically the teams that win the most games. It’s that simple.

There’s a reason why the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors will likely meet in the NBA Finals for a third straight time this year.

And there’s also a reason why the Washington Wizards won’t win an NBA championship this season, even if they do make the NBA Playoffs.

Despite the improved play from the team’s core, the Wizards don’t have enough talent nor depth to compete against the top five or so teams in the NBA.

John Wall is playing at an MVP level, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter are both on the cusp of becoming All-Stars and Marcin Gortat is averaging a double-double for the first time since arriving to D.C.

But after those four check out of the game, the Wizards are left with players who contribute, realistically, once every three or four games.

For the Wizards to compete at a high level every night – and the same applies to the 29 other teams – they must accumulate more talent.

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According to a recent ESPN report, the Atlanta Hawks are considering blowing up their foundation.

The team is reportedly shopping Paul Millsap, who’s made the All-Star team three years in a row.

Atlanta is also nearing a deal involving Kyle Korver, another former All-Star, signifying their readiness to move on from the talent that made them a consistent threat to the Cavaliers in the East.

Teams that want to make the jump from mediocre to potential contender could consider acquiring Millsap.

Washington shares the Southeast Division with Atlanta and were bounced out of the semifinals by the Millsap-led team a few years ago.

Given that Wall has never played with another All-Star and the team struck out on all the game-changing players this past off-season, Washington might end up linked to Millsap in the rumor mill.

What an acceptable trade would look like for Washington

Millsap is in the final season of his contract and will likely opt out, giving himself a chance to land one more big-money deal before his career is over.

At worst, Millsap would become a rental for the remainder of this current season. At best, he would sign a multi-year deal in the off-season worth less than the max.

There’s an opportunity for Millsap to seek a team of his choosing, at least to an extent, and there’s a solid chance that he’ll take advantage of that right.

With that in mind, a team like the Washington Wizards would be more willing to move one of their starters plus a single first round pick for Millsap.

Washington could swap a productive player on a bargain-contract, attach a pick and hope the Hawks bite.

In this instance, the Wizards might consider trading Markieff Morris – plus two fillers to balance out the finances – and this year’s pick for Millsap.

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Morris is averaging roughly 13 points and 6 rebounds per game this season.

Like Millsap, he’s a proven defender, moves the ball well for a big and spaces the floor.

The difference between the players is consistency.

On some nights, Morris will look like he’s capable of playing on Millsap’s level, but other nights he’s been a complete liability, especially when he allows his emotions to get the best of him.

Washington would be getting a better player in return, but they would be missing Morris’ cheap contract and a pick that might be just outside of the lottery.

The Hawks would gain a solid replacement in Morris on an economical deal and another first round pick at their disposal.

What an unacceptable trade would look like for Washington

Since Millsap is an All-Star and has been one of the league’s most underrated players, the Hawks would want to get legitimate talent in return.

The scenario above is better suited for the Washington Wizards because they’re able to keep their core intact, but realistically, the Hawks would want more substance back.

The problem is, the Wizards won’t have much incentive to pull the trigger on a deal involving one of their promising players because Millsap could decide to leave D.C. forever after the end of the season.

But if the Hawks’ front office were sly enough to talk the Wizards into a deal, they would likely want either Beal and Porter in return.

Now that Beal is playing at an All-Star level and signed a five-year max extension in the summer, the Wizards would probably be more open to trading Porter, who’s going to get a max contract in the off-season as well.

The Hawks don’t have many exciting developing players on their roster and Porter fits into their culture seamlessly. He’s selfless, moves well without the ball, defends the perimeter and knocks down shots at a near automatic level.

Washington would likely pass on any deal involving players from their core, including Wall, Beal and Porter. Losing one of their proven young players for half a season of Millsap just isn’t worth it for the Washington Wizards.

Next: How Rondo Could Help the Wizards

So while the Wizards – and every team in the league – need to improve their roster, they must be cautious about breaking the future puzzle for the sake of competing more now.