Utah Jazz: Top free agent prospects from across the league

Paul Millsap

Since leaving the Utah Jazz and joining forces with the Atlanta Hawks, Paul Millsap has turned into an All-Star, logging appearances in each of the previous four All-Star games. He’s become a prolific stretch-four and solid defender and has been an integral part of the Hawks’ success.

However, unfortunately it’s been a frustrating go for Atlanta in terms of the postseason. Since Millsap joined the team in 2013-14, they’ve been stopped by the Indiana Pacers, embarrassed twice by the Cleveland Cavaliers and most recently bounced by the Washington Wizards in the first round.

When Millsap left the Jazz, the team was in rebuild mode and Atlanta was certainly a greener pasture. Now, however, with the Hawks hovering consistently around mediocrity, it may be time for the big man to make a change in free agency and go to a team where he can make a significant impact.

As a former Jazz fan favorite, you can bet that he would be welcomed with open arms on the Utah roster. Adding Millsap may require moving Derrick Favors who had a frustrating 2016-17 campaign. That’s somewhat risky given the possibility that Favors bounces back this upcoming season and regains his potential, but if Millsap is able to continue to put up 18 points and seven rebounds per game, it’s hard to argue that the move wouldn’t be worth it.

Millsap is familiar with head coach Quin Snyder from his days in Atlanta and would be a seamless fit in Utah’s system, adding a formidable scorer and post threat to an already staunch Utah team. Having played with the Jazz before, I could also see Millsap welcoming the thought of a reunion.

He is 31-years-old and could be on the downhill slope of his career, but an All-Star talent of his caliber with plenty of traits that help him fit in well with the Jazz would provide an exceptional boost.