Houston Rockets trade rumors 2016: Trying to pitch early for Paul Millsap

While the 2016–17 season is still a few days away, there are already NBA rumors that the Houston Rockets might get an All-Star power forward for the 2017–18 campaign.

According to reports, the Western Conference team is looking to add to their depth at the big man spot as the Rockets are linked to the Atlanta Hawks' Paul Millsap.

The Rockets recently lost Dwight Howard as their center moved to Atlanta, and that resulted in them looking for a dependable player who has the size and power.

For the Hawks, they lost Al Horford but gained Howard, and now the future of Millsap with the team may be questioned if the two new teammates do not get along.

Millsap is now entering his 11th season in the league and has maintained his effectiveness throughout the years.

In his career, he averages 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. However, with the Hawks, he has been giving stellar performances as he averages 17.2 points and 8.5 rebound since heading to the Eastern Conference.

His improvement has not gone unnoticed as Millsap has also been in the last three All-Star games after being picked by fans and peers for his in-game performance.

However, now at 31 years old, Millsap may be past his prime and may have only a few years left in him in professional basketball.

If he wants to try and target the championship, he has a small window, and if it is not found with the Hawks, it is possible that he would bolt for a team that can give him a better chance.

At the moment, Millsap is on a three-year deal with the Hawks, and he is set to pocket around $20.1 million in the coming season. If he stays with Atlanta next year, it would go up to $21.5 million. But with a player option on the last year, Millsap may cash in on a bigger deal and a stronger team if he sees fit, possibly with the Rockets.