The Hawks and John Collins were unable to come to terms on an extension prior to the season and the big man may not have a long-term future with the club.
Last month, Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson reported that at least two teams had been in contact with the Hawks about the big man. Now, Sam Amick of The Athletic writes that Atlanta has shown a “willingness” to listens to offers. Amick cautions that so far, it “appears unlikely” that Collins will end up elsewhere before the March 25 trade deadline.
The former No. 19 overall pick will be a restricted free agent at the end of the year, though with Atlanta making several splashes on the free-agent market this past summer, it’ll be hard to offer him a lucrative deal.
Finding clubs that Collins fits on won’t be difficult; finding a team to give up enough value will likely be the reason a deal doesn’t get done. Collins is making just $4.14 million this season but will likely require a major payday on his next contract.
His current salary would fit nicely in the Wizards’ newly available Disabled Player Exception. Collins would also be a nice long-term fit for Washington, how much can they give up for a player who they may not be able to re-sign, at least without making another corresponding move?
We know some teams that likely won’t get involved. The Lakers and Clippers don’t have future first-rounders to offer. Neither do the Bucks or Nets (Brooklyn had interest in Collins last season, though this is a wildly different club with James Harden in town). It’s unlikely that the Sixers get involved give their roster construction.
