The Atlanta Hawks and John Collins failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension before the start of the 2020-21 NBA season. He is set to reach restricted free agency during the offseason.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Hawks ‘appear unlikely’ to trade John Collins but have ‘shown a willingness to listen to offers.’
“Entering Friday’s game against San Antonio, Collins is second on the team behind Trae Young in scoring (18.5 points per game), second behind Clint Capela in rebounding (7.8 per), second behind Capela in blocks (one per), and third in minutes behind Young and DeAndre Hunter (31.9). Even if there was a quality deal to be had that added future assets, his production in the present is so crucial that it appears unlikely that he’ll be on the move. Nonetheless, sources say the Hawks have shown a willingness to listen to offers for Collins (this should surprise no one).”
It has been quite a productive start to the season for John Collins with the Hawks. He is posting averages of 18.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while going 55.9% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. His development offensively has been impressive to see alongside Trae Young.
It’s been difficult to find players who are more efficient scorers than John Collins this season. Among the 123 players in the league with at least 250 scoring possessions, his output of 1.178 points per possession (PPP) ranks 7th and leads players like Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant.
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There have been concerns with John Collins’ skill-set in his career that should justify hesitation to hand out a max contract extension. His lack of mobility on defense has made him a liability in pick-and-roll coverage and prevents him from being a factor on switches.
Playing alongside an actual rim protector like Clint Capela has helped to mitigate those concerns, similar to the situation the Indiana Pacers have experienced with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. As a team, the Hawks are allowing the 10th fewest PPP despite having Trae Young and Collins on the floor for heavy minutes.
It will be fascinating to see the type of offer that John Collins receives in NBA free agency. It seems most likely the Atlanta Hawks will allow the free market to dictate the value of their young star. He will surely command a hefty price tag.
