CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 23: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after making a shot against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on January 23, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for John Collins and the Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 08: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at State Farm Arena on February 08, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia, NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for John Collins and Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
As the Atlanta Hawks reshape the roster around superstar Trae Young this offseason, the organization is reportedly still shopping versatile forward John Collins.
Collins, a 24-year-old power forward, should continue to generate plenty of interest across the league. After signing a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Hawks last summer, it suddenly seems inevitable that Collins will be moved before the start of next season.
Ever since contract talks stalled during the 2020-21 NBA season, John Collins and the Hawks have had an awkward relationship. Collins has been on the trade market for a lengthy period of time now, and while many teams have expressed interest in his promising services, Atlanta clearly has a high asking price for the athletic, two-way asset.
The Atlanta Hawks have already facilitated a substantial deal by acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from San Antonio and have already parted ways with Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari this offseason. With John Collins still on the trade block, let’s examine five potential suitors that could land the coveted forward as the Hawks work to retool the core.
NBA Trades: 5 suitors for John Collins and Atlanta Hawks: Portland Trail Blazers
Initially, the Portland Trail Blazers could emerge as a potential landing spot for John Collins. With Portland preparing to reconstruct the roster by surrounding superstar Damian Lillard with complementary pieces, Collins could be an electric addition.
The time is now for the Blazers to return to winning. If they’re going to become legitimate title contenders again while convincing Lillard to stay with the franchise long-term, they need to deliver more aggressive moves via trade.
Acquiring Jerami Grant from Detroit was the first step in the right direction, and now Portland could pursue John Collins to bolster its defensive versatility and offensive creativity. Forming a starting lineup of Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Grant, Collins, and Jusuf Nurkic with valuable role players off the bench could be a threat in the loaded Western Conference.
In terms of a potential deal, the Portland Trail Blazers could offer a deal centered around Josh Hart, Justice Winslow, Keon Johnson, and draft compensation. If the Hawks are enticed by Portland’s assets, the Blazers will certainly be a realistic suitor for John Collins.
