There's no guarantee Paul Millsap is going to be around next season for the Atlanta Hawks.

That tough situation that many teams find themselves in with their bets players every year is never easy. Do you hope that a good season is enough to convince a player like Millsap to hang around? Or do you avoid the risk and trade him sooner to ensure you get a return on his value?

The Hawks already reportedly considered trading Millsap last summer and that thought should come up again this season with Millsap in position to opt out next summer if he wants to.

Kevin Arnovitz via ESPN (Insider):

At some point, the Hawks will have to weigh moving Millsap, whom they considered trading last summer. Millsap is entering the final year of his contract (he will almost certainly exercise his opt-out clause), he will be 32 before the All-Star break and he will demand a hefty raise next summer. If the Hawks aren’t contending, it might be wise to get value for a guy they’re unlikely to retain long-term.

As Arnovitz points out, a lot may have to do with the success of the team this season. Atlanta has been great the last few years, contending for one of the top three spots in the Eastern Conference, but if it takes a step back, that may be a sign to move in another direction.

Millsap has been improving every season. He's made the last three All-Star games and last season put up averages of 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks. Not many players around the league were able to match that.

But Millsap will be 32 this season and that's around the time players begin trending downward, if not sooner. Ultimately, it may be in Atlanta's best interest to find another suitor for Millsap and cash out on his talents. Time will tell.