Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks reacts to the referees during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Philips Arena on December 5, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo : Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox)
As the days go by in the National Basketball Association, the name Paul Millsap is gradually making noise the trade rumor conversation. After the Atlanta Hawks were reported to listen to trade talks for the veteran forward, teams have shown interest. It is not mind-boggling why Millsap is one of the most sought-after individuals before the NBA trade deadline comes since he could make a team an instant contender.
Millsap is known to be a multi-faceted player, a forward that can shoot the three ball, post up, rebound, run the break or basically anything the team asks him to do. These things make him an asset and the Toronto Raptors, who are in dire need of a power forward to finally overcome tormentors Cleveland Cavaliers, are the first in line for Millsap, SportsNet reported.
The Raptors have plenty of power forwards in their roster in Patrick Patterson, Pascal Siakam and Jared Sullinger. However, Patterson has embraced his sixth man role while Siakam' rookie experience does not help Toronto's case of beating the Cavs. Sullinger, meanwhile, is recovering from a foot injury and could take time before he gets back.
With the addition of Millsap, the Raptors could boost their rebounding which ranks 23rd in the league. Millsap averages 8.1 rebounds this season and he has been known to be an excellent offensive rebounder. Toronto could also expect an extra option on offense as it relies its offense on backcourt duo Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan. Millsap is also averaging 17.8 points and 3.7 assists on 44.5 percent shooting and a 32.5 three-point percentage.
However, Millsap has been vocal on staying with the organization he has been with since 2013 after a seven-year stint with the Utah Jazz, Slam Online reported. He said that his heart belongs to Atlanta and the Hawks.
The Hawks are currently fifth in the East behind a 19-16 record and Millsap is a big part of the organization's success this season even with the departure of Al Horford.
Watch the video below for Millsap's latest game highlights:
