3 buyout bigs for Cavs to sign to upgrade bench depth

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Paul Millsap, Philadelphia 76ers. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images /

3 buyout bigs for Cavs to upgrade bench: Paul Millsap

Some players on the buyout markets are solid veterans who no longer have a guaranteed roster spot on their current team, either because of a declining game or a rebuilding team. Others are former stars who are skilled and savvy enough to stick around as useful players.

Paul Millsap falls into the second category, a former All-Star with the Atlanta Hawks who transitioned into a tough-nosed defensive power forward. Now, in the twilight of his career, he is more of a 4.5 who was a useful player with the Denver Nuggets the past few seasons before joining Brooklyn this season and finding himself outside of the rotation.

Now he is in Philadelphia, a throw-in to the James Harden / Ben Simmons deal. With the 76ers a bit light on bigs at the moment he has seen some minutes, but he is unlikely to be in their long-term plans. If the 76ers find a player they like better for that roster spot, Millsap could find himself a free agent.

Millsap’s shot is inconsistent, which limits his positional versatility, but he can play either the 4 or the 5. He is a decent shot blocker and a great switch defender, with the size to take on centers but the foot speed to move with smaller forwards. He could be a defensive specialist to deploy in specific matchups or in the event of an injury to Jarrett Allen.