John Collins – Atlanta Hawks
Last season, John Collins had his best statistical season of his career, averaging 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and shooting 58.3% from the floor, 40.1% from three-point range in 41 games. This season, Collins has been fantastic for the Hawks and is currently averaging 18.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and is shooting 40.7% from three-point range.
John Collins’ numbers are slightly down from last year, but the Hawks also have a lot more talent on their roster this year. There isn’t a need for him to put up huge numbers, and with that, he’s been able to provide a helpful impact in ways that don’t show in the box score.
Even with all of the weapons they have, John Collins is still putting up big-time numbers, which is why he is a prime trade target for many teams around the league.
The fact that John Collins is owed just $4.1M this season also makes him a prime trade target for many teams around the league. While it may make things challenging for contending teams from a salary matching standpoint, a rebuilding team with lots of draft picks could jump on this.
Collins has solidified himself as one of the most versatile power-forwards in the entire league and whether it is in the low-post or on the perimeter, John Collins can score from anywhere on the court. He is still on his rookie contract, meaning that plenty of championship contending teams could look to put together a big trade package of draft picks to acquire him.
One of the reasons why John Collins has been featured in NBA trade rumors could actually be somewhat true are because he did not opt to sign a contract-extension with the Hawks in the offseason. He was reportedly offered $90M+ this past offseason, but Collins declined to sign with the Hawks.
Could this mean he wants out of Atlanta and does this mean the Hawks will look to trade him now before they lose him in free agency? While it remains unlikely the Hawks would trade John Collins, they have ‘shown willingness’ to listen to offers. If the right offer comes in and they believe they will not be able to bring him back next season, then it may be in the best interest of this organization to trade him.
