The Toronto Raptors have emerged as the top trade destination for Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap.

Millsap, 31, has recently been the subject of many trade rumors as the three-time NBA All-Star admitted that he is planning to opt out of his deal with the Hawks in the coming offseason to test the free-agency market.

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There are rumors that Atlanta will be trying to avoid a repeat of what happened during Al Horford's free-agency last summer when they lost their starting center for nothing as Horford chose to sign with the Boston Celtics.

Although Millsap has been vocal that his priority is to stay in Atlanta, the Hawks are reportedly being cautious about his impending unrestricted free-agency and could eventually decide to trade him before the February deadline.

SB Nation reported that the Hawks are now "open to dealing" Millsap and are "listening" to offers from interested teams.

One of the teams rumored to be targeting Millsap is the Toronto Raptors and there are speculations that last season's Eastern Conference runners-up are emerging as the top destination for the former Louisiana Tech standout.

Millsap is a definite upgrade over current Toronto starter Patrick Patterson at the power forward spot and pairing him with Jonas Valanciunas up front will certainly do wonders for the Canadian club.

He is also a great addition on defense as he can guard the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, their East rival, alongside small forward DeMarre Carroll.

A starting unit composed of Millsap, Valanciunas, Carroll, and other All-Stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan is definitely championship-caliber and could give the Cavs a run for their money come postseason.

Fansided noted that trading for Millsap would be a risk for Toronto because he can still choose to leave at the end of the season. However, the Raptors will have the advantage of owning Millsap's bird rights to go over the salary cap to retain him.

The Hawks are currently fifth in the East with an 18-16 record, 8.5 games behind the Cavs. The Raptors are 23-11, second in the East and only 3.5 games behind Cleveland.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2017, Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors