John Collins is a name that has been brought up in trade rumors recently. It is unknown if a deal will get done prior to the deadline and could even be considered unlikely with the current position of the Atlanta Hawks. They are currently 11-14 and in a weak Eastern Conference, this puts them right in the mix. Atlanta is taking calls at this point and the Los Angeles Lakers could be on the other end of the phone.

Atlanta was busy during the offseason as they brought in some high-profile free agents. They made four big signings to acquire Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Kris Dunn. In the midst of free agency, the Hawks offered John Collins a $90 million contract extension but a deal was unable to get done.

This makes it seem like the Hawks could decide to trade John Collins unless they feel like they could make a playoff push this season. Collins has taken his game to the next level averaging 18.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season.

Could the Lakers persuade Atlanta into making a deal? They certainly have the assets available to trade and keep the Hawks in a playoff race down the stretch of the season. Los Angeles got their main priorities done in the offseason when both LeBron James and Anthony Davis signed contract extensions.

The Lakers are another team that made some big moves in acquiring Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell. Los Angeles could continue to look for trades at the deadline that would help them win their second straight championship.

Collins would certainly help come postseason time. He would improve as the season went on with the guidance of James and Davis. Let’s take a look and see what it might take to get this deal done.