Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F John Collins (via sign-and-trade), MIA 2021 2nd Round Pick (Pick #48, Post-Draft)

Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Ricky Rubio, G Malik Beasley

Due to the NBA’s rules with max contracts and years played in the league, the most John Collins could make in a max contract extension this offseason would be 25% of the cap, plus a 5% raise each year since Collins has only played four years in the NBA. This means the best contract Collins could potentially get is a four-year deal worth upwards of $121M, with him making around $28M for the 2021-22 season. 

If this is the contract John Collins wants and the Timberwolves are willing to pay him this kind of money, a sign-and-trade could be the only way for Minnesota to acquire him since they are already tied down financially. Minnesota is already $19M over the salary cap for next season, which is why they would have to trade some contracts away to bring in Collins. 

Sources have told NBA Analysis Network that the Timberwolves are interested in trading Ricky Rubio away this offseason and they could also be interested in trading Malik Beasley away if they were to add a player like John Collins. 

Between these two players, the Timberwolves owe $32.1M for next season, which is enough to bring in John Collins in a sign-and-trade cap wise. The only question would be whether or not these are two guys that the Atlanta Hawks would want to A) take on salary-wise and B) fit into their rotations. 

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Ricky Rubio has now played 10 seasons in the NBA and everywhere he has been, he has contributed in a positive way. Being a pass-first point guard and a strong one-on-one defender makes Rubio an interesting name for Atlanta, especially since they need to add some depth behind Trae Young in their backcourt. 

Malik Beasley is another interesting name for Atlanta given his scoring abilities from the shooting guard position. Not only did he shoot 39.9% from distance this past season in 37 games, but Beasley has proven that he can be a slashing guard that attacks the basket from the perimeter. Atlanta will need to add scoring if they were to lose John Collins, which is why Beasley could also be a nice fit for them. 

If the Timberwolves truly want John Collins this offseason, then they will have to be willing to open up their checkbooks to acquire him. Collins is not going to come to Minnesota at a discount and they will have to give him the max contract he wants, which is why a sign-and-trade could be the only possible way to bring him in salary-wise.