I don't mind adding Millsap on a 2-3 year deal, a 4 year deal with the 4th being a team option might work and I'd actually prefer him the more I think about it. He'd turn 35 during his 3rd year and might be able to get one final long term deal elsewhere at that point. Since his game doesn't rely on athleticism he should be productive during the next 2-3 years. I know his age can be seen as a downside but I think he fits our timeline well. He's an upgrade at PF now but wouldn't be an issue in 2-3 years when Chriss should be ready to start at PF full time. Chriss shouldn't have been our starting PF last year but was out of necessity. He could mentor Chriss over the next 2-3 years and Chriss should be ready take over the starting job after 2 years, you'd hope at least. Chriss could progress at his own pace rather than being forced into a starting position because of necessity.
Millsap hasn't had any injury or characters issues during his time in the league. He's only missed 31 games over the last 4 years, hasn't missed a playoff game in Atlanta, and the Hawks hasn't missed the playoffs since he's been there. He's also managed to make the All Star team each of the years he was there. They're blowing things up so I doubt they're in the running to resign him. He also made the All Defensive 2nd team in 2015-16 and finished in the top 10 twice at steals per game, which is really good for a PF. The style of play in Atlanta with their ball movement is something I wish Phoenix would emulate and Millsap could help us be a better passing team.
I think he could help us get closer to a 500 record this year, maybe higher, and we might be able to sneak into the playoffs. The West will see some changes with their playoff teams. The Clippers will take a big step back without Paul or Reddick. Utah might fall apart if Hayward leaves. Memphis is another year older with no financial flexibility and their style of play is becoming more outdated by the year. Portland could take a step back also since they're loaded with bad contracts, no quality forwards, or guards off the bench. Minnesota should be a playoff team and New Orleans could take a step towards the playoffs with a full offseason and training camp with Cousins and Davis together. There should be space to slip into the playoffs still and by the time our youth starts hitting their peaks we should be able to hang onto a playoff spot if we can get there beforehand. Chandler, Dudley, and Bledsoe all expire in 2 seasons, which should open up a ton of cap space and allow us make moves for someone to mesh with our youth better at that point.
A starting 5 of Bledsoe, Booker, Jackson, Millsap, and Chandler should be able to sneak into the playoffs. We'd have Warren, Chriss, Bender, Ulis, Dudley, and Barbosa off the bench.
Chandler/Bender/Williams
Millsap/Chriss/Dudley
Jackson/Warren/Dudley
Booker/Barbosa/Reed
Bledsoe/Ulis
