Here's my take on Millsap's contract: (I think this deserves it's own thread, but I'll wait to see if it's official first).
Since PM contract is front loaded 30% of the salary is gone in the 1st day, it actually keeps Portland way more flexible in the long run.
Scenario 1) Everything works out great, he and LMA are an amazing PF duo, and LMA get extended (maybe Joel gets traded). Sure, 4 years from now, we'll be paying close to $20 million for two PF's. However, I would expect them to be the best PF duo in the league, and combine have the value of a KG or Tim Duncan have along with their scrub backups. The beauty is that if one gets hurt, we're not screwed like the other two teams.
Scenario 2) The LMA, Millsap duo doesn't work at all, and it's clear right away. Come December, we could trade Millsap to a team needed a legit PF and help the save a lot of money. How you ask? Well he'll only be owed roughly $1 million for the rest of the 2009-2010 season in November, yet he'll have a cap hold of $7.5 million. So basically, we can help a team shave $6.5 million in actual cash. They'll also be getting this stud PF for 3.7 years and only $22 million (what a bargain). We should be able to get a lot of value for him.
Scenario 3) The LMA extension talks don't go so well. He plays ok next season, but maybe even takes a slight step back. He somehow finds a team willing to give him max money. Oden and another player are showing promise of being major players and demanding worlds of cash in the following offseason. We now could let LMA walk, without taking a major hit. Obviously it would hurt, and I certainly don't wish/expect this scenario to play out, but it's nice to know even then, the world wouldn't be coming to and end.