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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 reasons to trade for Paul Millsap

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 05: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball during the first quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 05: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball during the first quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers are having massive defensive problems at the moment. They are ranked 29th on the season, and 30th in the last 2 weeks.

This type of defense isn’t sustainable if the Blazers want continued success, or a playoff spot. Now Damian Lillard has begun to question the Blazers team and their ability to play on that end of the court.

Dame’s unhappiness, combined with the fact that the Blazers have conceded this amount of points per game against some of the worst teams in the league, should prompt Blazers coaching and management to make a change.

In an interview, Dame stated that this team can’t compete for a championship with the way they are playing on that end. If Dame is saying this, then changes need to be made. One player they could attempt to trade for, is Paul Millsap of the Denver Nuggets.

Here are 3 reasons why the Portland Trail Blazers should trade for Paul Millsap

Reason #1 – He has the defensive credentials

Millsap is a 35-year old six-foot-seven big man who currently plays for the Denver Nuggets. He has been one of the best defenders in the league for many years and has a 2015/16 All-Defensive selection to his name.

Though he is aging now, Millsap’s defensive playmaking skills are still at high levels. He can defend big fours and most fives, and is most comfortable these days as a four next to offensive players.

Millsap’s strong points are his defensive IQ, and his physical profile. At a strong 257 pounds, he can guard most NBA centers, and when you couple this with his great hands and seven-foot-one wingspan, he can protect the rim and get steals and deflections.

At this point in the Blazers cycle, they are better to bring in players to help them contend right away. Millsap has large amounts of playoff experience, and has played on teams where defense is a priority. Millsap can play backup four and potentially some five as well.