The Denver Nuggets failed to advance to the Western Conference Finals, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 7, 100-96.
Despite the homecourt advantage, the Nuggets starters struggled to shoot the ball, especially in the crucial moments of the game. Now, they will head into the offseason with some questions — one of which is deciding whether or not to bring back Paul Millsap.
The veteran forward failed to provide significant contributions for the Nuggets in Game 7, finishing with 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting. He didn't take advantage of the fact that Blazers center Enes Kanter was playing with an injury and Zach Collins was in foul trouble.
Much will be said about the $30.4M Paul Millsap team option for next year especially after going 3/13 from the field. I don't see the Nuggets declining the number just to create $17M in room. Denver is safe from the luxury tax to bring back Millsap.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 12, 2019
If the Blazers won't pick Millsap's team option, they will be able to free enough cap space to sign mid-tier free agents like Tobias Harris, Khris Middleton and Nikola Vucevic. However, the Nuggets have always said that they like Millsap's character and leadership skills and that he's a huge part of the development of the younger guys in the team.
To be fair, Millsap wasn't the only Nugget who struggled in the rubber match against the Blazers. However, since he's only the player that has spent more than 10 seasons in the league, it is understandable for Denver to weigh in their options, especially if they can get someone that's younger and better.
The Nuggets' Cinderella season didn't have a happy ending, but they surely have a bright future ahead of them. Whether or not Paul Millsap will be part of their next chapter remains to be seen.
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