Boston Celtics: what a perfect offseason could look like for the Cs

2) Convince Paul Millsap to sign for the ‘Mid-Level Exception’

Just like I’ve done with Jalen Smith — constantly bombarding you with the idea of them drafting the big –, the idea of the Boston Celtics signing Paul Millsap to an MLE has been something I’ve been a huge advocate of for quite some time.

This offseason, due to the substantial financial commitments the shamrocks have tied to Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward, and, with his expected max-extension looming, Jayson Tatum, the team will indefinitely be strapped for cash this offseason and, in turn, look to the route of offering veteran minimums and mid-level exceptions.

While there are a few players who could be had for such deals, no other realistic signing would be better than if the Cs could get Millsap on an MLE.

Currently in his third and final year with the Denver Nuggets, the power forward is set to hit unrestricted free agency and, with the presence of young stud Michael Porter Jr., it’s fair to assume his days in the Mile High City will be up come the offseason.

Through 44 games played in 2019-20, the four-time All-Star finds himself averaging 24.4 minutes per game to go along with 12 points, 5.9 rebounds, and just shy of a steal per game on 49 percent shooting from the floor and an impressive 44 percent shooting from downtown.

Though he has actually played quite nicely throughout this year’s campaign, at the ripe age of 35 — will be 36 by the beginning of next season –, coupled with the fact that the league’s salary cap situation as a whole will likely be negatively impacted thanks to the COVID-19 suspension, a mid-level exception might be close to the average offer Millsap will get.

Sure, perhaps he could warrant a few extra bucks from a middling team like the New York Knicks or Phoenix Suns in free agency, but at this point in his career, the 14-year veteran might be more inclined to take a bit less money and sign on with a contender in an attempt to attain that so highly coveted championship ring.

In regard to his style of play, the Boston Celtics seem like an ideal landing spot.

With the fact that they should seriously consider bolstering their frontcourt rotation and improve upon their perimeter scoring off the pine (rank 27th in the league), it would appear that someone like Millsap would be of some great use for the Cs as their primary backup big.