Trade rumors about Paul Millsap are all over the news as of late. He's been the hot topic of the rumor mills since the start of the New Year. Reports are now saying that the Toronto Raptors are interested in acquiring him from the Atlanta Hawks before the trade deadline.

Millsap is one of the remaining superstars for the Hawks this season and most of their starter from last season are all gone. Al Horford signed with the Boston Celtics as a free agent last summer and same goes to Demarre Carroll who went to the Toronto Raptors. They also trade Jeff Teague to the Indiana Pacers in the offseason leaving Millsap and Kyle Korver the burden to carry the team.

However, there is a big possibility that Millsap will not pick up his 2017 player option and might opt out with his contract with the Hawks and look for a huge paycheck after the season. Aside from that, the direction of the Hawks is to get younger to prepare for their future and it seems that Millsap is not young anymore (31).

With this impending scenario, reports are recommending that a trade deal with the Toronto Raptors could be a viable option for the Atlanta Hawks. According to FOX Sports, the Raptors are looking for an able big man to solidify their interior defense and Paul Millsap could be the ideal big man they've been looking for. Now, a proposed deal are set to both teams for consideration.

Trade scenario is suggesting that the Hawks will send Millsap to the Raptors in exchange for Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson plus a future draft pick as per stated in the report. Looking closely at the trade, this could be a plausible deal for both teams involved.

Since last year during this time, the Raptors are one of the teams that have already signified their desire to add Millsap but they weren't able to put a good deal at that time. And with perfect assets to make the trade work this time, having Millsap playing alongside Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan could be a potent combination in their aspiration of finally making it to the NBA Finals.

On the other hand, the Hawks will not be a loser in this trade as they have Ross and Patterson who are streak shooter and scorer that will put big numbers for them at any given night. Aside from that, both players are still young that they could use for their future. This trade will also satisfy NBA trade and salary cap rules making it a legal deal for both teams as verified with ESPN NBA Trade Machine.

Will the Toronto Raptors be able to acquire Paul Millsap from the Atlanta Hawks before the trade deadline?

Tags: NBA Trade Rumors Paul Millsap Toronto Raptors Atlanta Hawks NBA news