Paul Millsap
Nov 25, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) defends against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. USA TODAY Sports / Russ Isabella

Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks' all-star forward, has been targeted by the Los Angeles Lakers in a potential trade ahead of February's deadline, per fresh reports.

Millsap, a free agent over the summer, has been subject to trade chatter for a while, with the Hawks reportedly trying to acquire draft picks and young assets in exchange for the veteran forward.

Since Millsap is expected to pursue the big bucks in free agency, the Hawks, a team poised to hit the reset button and build around younger players, has been entertaining trade offers since last year's deadline.

According to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers were one of multiple teams that recently contacted the Hawks regarding a potential Paul Millsap trade. However, the report added that the Hawks have effectively pulled Millsap from the trade market. "Atlanta general manager Wes Wilcox started informing teams Monday afternoon that the Hawks were no longer working to unload Millsap, sources said.

"Millsap can be a free agent this summer, and multiple teams -- including Denver (Nuggets), Sacramento (Kings) and the Los Angeles Lakers -- had interest in making a deal for him, sources said," the report noted.

Paul Millsap trade: Lakers, Nuggets and Kings contact the Hawks

The report further added that the Hawks have been receiving underwhelming offers for Millsap and cited that as the reason for Atlanta to pull the defensive ace off the trading block. "Nevertheless, the Hawks could change course with several weeks left before the Feb. 23 trade deadline and return Millsap to the marketplace," NBA insider Wojnarowski revealed.

Last week, ESPN's Mark Stein reported that the Hawks' realistic expectation for Millsap is a high first-round draft pick. Since Millsap could likely bail on the team that trades for him, the Hawks have very little leverage in discussions with other teams. The Lakers are in a precarious position since they are likely to forego their first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in June's NBA Draft.

Also, the Hawks would want the Lakers to surrender at least two out of Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle in exchange for an all-star calibre player such as Millsap. However, the Purple & Gold is highly unlikely to give up young assets for a player on an expiring contract.

Stay tuned for the latest on the Paul Millsap trade situation.

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