Hawks interested in moving John Collins?

[Jamaaliver]

18 months later, and we're back to this same headline...

Hawks Reportedly ‘Most Interested’ in Moving John Collins

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report recently appeared on Nate Duncan's podcast Dunc'd on Basketball NBA Podcast. Fischer provided Duncan with the latest league gossip surrounding Collins, “There’s someone I talked to today who had just spoken to Atlanta in recent days who said John Collins is clearly the guy that they’re most interested in moving."

Fischer went into detail on the acrimonious contract negotiations between the Collins' agents and Atlanta's front office. "It seems like that marriage is bound to be coming to a close." When asked which teams are interested in Collins, Fischer said, "He's definitely been mentioned as a Portland trade candidate."

The NBA insider continued, "Someone told me today that if Portland offered the 7th pick to Atlanta, they think they would do it straight up. And I think there's a way to make it work with the Eric Bledsoe contract and that $3.9 million guaranteed. That's a framework that's been talked to me about something to look out for. I don't know if it's been discussed, so I want to be clear."

Fischer reiterated that he believes Atlanta would be interested in a high first round draft pick, where they can select a player they believe in who is on a rookie-scale contract.

Collins, 24, was taken by the Hawks with the 19th pick in 2017 and has recorded career numbers of 16.5 points on 37 percent three points shooting, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 block.

You can listen to the discussion here, 27 minutes in.

Sports Illustrated

[Jamaaliver]

More on this storyline:

Jake Fischer on John Collins: He’s definitely been mentioned as a Portland trade candidate (…) I remember, San Antonio was linked to him back when he was struggling to get that deal done. -via Spotify / June 10, 2022

One other player frequently mentioned to be on Portland’s radar is Atlanta’s John Collins, who is a lob threat that could provide more defensive versatility than Jusuf Nurkic. -via The Ringer / June 7, 2022

Collins has to be considered the likeliest person to move, because the Hawks just don’t have high-level trade pieces to dramatically improve the roster. It’s Collins or Capela, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see both elsewhere, even though they’re each meaningful players for the Hawks. -via The Athletic / April 28, 2022

[jayu70]

Same as last year to.

[Jamaaliver]

If we're moving Collins for a top 10 pick, I have two thoughts:

1) We're either drafting Sochan or Dyson Daniels for long term development, or

2) We're collecting draft capital (#7, #16, that future protected Charlotte Pick) for a superstar trade.



In either situation, who starts at PF for us next year if J Collins is traded?

[graymule]

QUESTION: In all talks, I never hear anything about Kevin Knox. Do we keep him? Do we trade him? Do we simply release him?
He played limited minutes after we swapped for him. Just wanted to throw him out there among the rumors.

[jayu70]

If we're moving Collins for a top 10 pick, I have two thoughts:

1) We're either drafting Sochan or Dyson Daniels for long term development, or

2) We're collecting draft capital (#7, #16, that future protected Charlotte Pick) for a superstar trade.



In either situation, who starts at PF for us next year if J Collins is traded?

If the intention is to take a step back and regrouping it's #1 (and this isn't what TR/TS have mentioned.
#2 makes sense.

[jayu70]

:crazy:

QUESTION: In all talks, I never hear anything about Kevin Knox. Do we keep him? Do we trade him? Do we simply release him?
He played limited minutes after we swapped for him. Just wanted to throw him out there among the rumors.

Knox has a Qualifying offer of $7.9 million, with the Hawks current cap/luxury tax situation it's unlikely Knix is kept at his $7.9 million. He'll be released and if they bring him back it'll be on a minimum deal.

[Jamaaliver]

The NBA's 10 Best Trade Assets This Offseason



John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

John Collins is the rare player who straddles both ends of the trade-market spectrum. He's so established that he could be disqualified on the basis of that value. Teams will target him with the intention of accelerating their timeline, which could make it difficult for the Atlanta Hawks to move him as part of their own upgrade.

Then again, Collins occupies a unique niche in the trade-asset space. He is young enough, going on 25, to fit any timeline, and his contract strikes the right team-friendly notes. Collins is owed $102 million over the next four years with a 2025-26 player option, giving his next squad three full seasons of fringe-star service at no worse than market value.

Anyone arguing that Collins is overpaid relative to what he provides needs a reality check. He may be a one-position player on defense—Atlanta's already-bad defense devolved further when he played without Clint Capela—but he's come a long way as a helper and decision-maker in space. Teams with more dependable presences on the perimeter should be able to steal plenty of one-big minutes in which he's manning the middle.

More also needs to be said about the malleability of Collins' offensive arsenal. He can still thrive as the primary screener and rim-runner, but playing beside Capela forced him to hone his outside touch (36.6 percent on spot-up threes) and polish his floor game. There may even be some additional post-up utility to plumb.

The Hawks seem to be gearing up for an aggressive offseason. If the endgame is acquiring someone they deem a better fit—or another entrenched star—including Collins will give them a leg-up over most other packages built around inexperienced prospects and mystery-box draft picks.

Bleacher Report

[tbhawksfan1]

I don't care if they move JC. He lost me when he declined 4 years at $90M. #7 is not the answer to our problems though. We are not in building through the draft stage.

Make it JC to PORT and #7 and salary to SAC and Sabonis to ATL and were talking sense

[Jamaaliver]

If we're moving Collins for a top 10 pick, I have two thoughts:

1) We're either drafting Sochan or Dyson Daniels for long term development...

If the intention is to take a step back and regrouping it's #1 (and this isn't what TR/TS have mentioned.

#7 is not the answer to our problems though. We are not in building through the draft stage.

IDK. Seeing the improvement Toronto made in adding Scottie Barnes to their rotation leaves me wondering. If Travis believes he can get an immediate contributor and long time stalwart in the draft, it might be worth considering.

IMHO.

[saloonyk8]

1. I wonder why Portland would make a deal like this before Free Agency. If they think they can sign Lavine or Ayton to an offer sheet this will eat their cap space

2. I'm guessing we'll be trading Collins AND 16 to move up to 7. Doesn't seem that exciting to me.

3. Getting the #7 pick doesn't seem like a game changer TBH. Maybe at #4 with Jaden Ivey you can sell me on his elite potential.

4. I don't know if the rumors were true then but apparently Hawks could have traded JC to move up and get Lamelo, Wiseman and maybe Edwards...and here we are now.

5. TS not always right in the draft...see Reddish, Halliburton...etc several big misses IMO

6. Maybe Jalen Johnson and OO will play at the 4?

7. The #7 pick's highest value will be BEFORE the draft...and it's very unusual to trade a player for a pick then immediately trade him for another player. Wouldn't you just make a 3 way trade NOW? Why just get the pick and try to negotiate after you get the pick? I think they're probably just dumping his contract and trying to give financial flexibility and plan on KEEPING the player at 7. Just my theory.

[tbhawksfan1]

If we're moving Collins for a top 10 pick, I have two thoughts:

1) We're either drafting Sochan or Dyson Daniels for long term development...

If the intention is to take a step back and regrouping it's #1 (and this isn't what TR/TS have mentioned.

#7 is not the answer to our problems though. We are not in building through the draft stage.

IDK. Seeing the improvement Toronto made in adding Scottie Barnes to their rotation leaves me wondering. If Travis believes he can get an immediate contributor and long time stalwart in the draft, it might be worth considering.

IMHO.

It happens, but it's much more likely that a rookie needs years to develop. I'm not against drafting better and getting solid contributors in the second round or undrafted free agents, but I think that you are grasping at longshot odds. You want us to bring in longshots to be contributors and unfortunately our first round picks are stuggling.

Toronto seems to always over-achieve and develop players. Their front office and coaching is near top in the league. We have Nate

[jayu70]

If the intention is to take a step back and regrouping it's #1 (and this isn't what TR/TS have mentioned.

#7 is not the answer to our problems though. We are not in building through the draft stage.

IDK. Seeing the improvement Toronto made in adding Scottie Barnes to their rotation leaves me wondering. If Travis believes he can get an immediate contributor and long time stalwart in the draft, it might be worth considering.

IMHO.

It happens, but it's much more likely that a rookie needs years to develop. I'm not against drafting better and getting solid contributors in the second round or undrafted free agents, but I think that you are grasping at longshot odds. You want us to bring in longshots to be contributors and unfortunately our first round picks are stuggling.

Toronto seems to always over-achieve and develop players. Their front office and coaching is near top in the league. We have Nate

I think Siakam being back to himself and the Raptors back in the home arena vs playing in Florida was a bigger factor than anything.

[Jamaaliver]

...I think that you are grasping at longshot odds. You want us to bring in longshots to be contributors and unfortunately our first round picks are stuggling.

On this...we are in complete disagreement.

I don't agree that Jalen, Okongwu are struggling.

I believe that Ochai Agbaji and Keegan Murray could be starters on this team by January.

Dyson Daniels can be a rotation player on Day One.

Their combination of age, size, experience and defensive prowess makes them capable of contributing as first year players -- especially for a team with veterans there to help them adjust to the league.

[jayu70]

Big gaps to fill at PF if both Collins and Gallo are moved.

Read on Twitter

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[jayu70]

...I think that you are grasping at longshot odds. You want us to bring in longshots to be contributors and unfortunately our first round picks are stuggling.

On this...we are in complete disagreement.

I don't agree that Jalen, Okongwu are struggling.

I believe that Ochai Agbaji and Keegan Murray could be starters on this team by January.

Dyson Daniels can be a rotation player on Day One.

Their combination of age, size, experience and defensive prowess makes them capable of contributing as first year players -- especially for a team with veterans there to help them adjust to the league.

I don't doubt that some of these Draftees can contribute in some way. There's a difference though in ADDING them to the team vs expecting them to fill a void vacated by a trade of a core player.

[raleigh]

Collins to San Antonio has always struck me as the most realistic scenario. I think they have some interesting but movable pieces AND the ability to not have to send back a ton of salary in the process.

I could see a scenario where the Hawks get someone like Vassell and at least one good (but not great) draft pick. Josh Richardson is solid trade filler, too. Getting Vassell and Richardson would give the Hawks a little leverage with Hunter (extension), Bogi (injury), and Wright (unrestricted).

I would look at TJ Warren as a stop-gap for the PF position until the Hawks have a better idea of what Jalen can provide.

[tbhawksfan1]

...I think that you are grasping at longshot odds. You want us to bring in longshots to be contributors and unfortunately our first round picks are stuggling.

On this...we are in complete disagreement.

I don't agree that Jalen, Okongwu are struggling.

I believe that Ochai Agbaji and Keegan Murray could be starters on this team by January.

Dyson Daniels can be a rotation player on Day One.

Their combination of age, size, experience and defensive prowess makes them capable of contributing as first year players -- especially for a team with veterans there to help them adjust to the league.

Of the three that you listed, only one is projected to maybe be there when we pick. Historically, contending teams don't start rookies and most rookies, even very high picks takes years to develop..

My position is that the team should continue to use the draft to bring in quality players, but we are in win now position and need to have the best players playing. That's why JJ only appeared in 22 games and got 5 mins a gmae. OO was also short on minutes. Nate is not about playing the young guys

Given how young and deep the team is, I would prefer to trade someone and this years #16 for an upgrade to one of our starting positions...like SG. Don't know what's going to happen, but I would be VERY surprised if Schlenk traded up to invest in a rookie. Nate wouldn't give him mins anyway

[jayu70]

Collins to San Antonio has always struck me as the most realistic scenario. I think they have some interesting but movable pieces AND the ability to not have to send back a ton of salary in the process.

I could see a scenario where the Hawks get someone like Vassell and at least one good (but not great) draft pick. Josh Richardson is solid trade filler, too. Getting Vassell and Richardson would give the Hawks a little leverage with Hunter (extension), Bogi (injury), and Wright (unrestricted).

I would look at TJ Warren as a stop-gap for the PF position until the Hawks have a better idea of what Jalen can provide.

TJ Warren is not a PF...plus 3 rpg. All this trade does is provide a glut at SG/SF of 6'-5" guys with no size upfront.

[Jamaaliver]

Historically, contending teams don't start rookies and most rookies, even very high picks takes years to develop..

My position is that the team should continue to use the draft to bring in quality players, but we are in win now position and need to have the best players playing...

1. We aren't a contending team.

2. John Collins isn't the difference between us contending and not contending.


If Travis believes he can get another top young player to build around, we should strongly consider doing so. His entire reputation in this league is built upon his ability to recognize top talents in the draft.

The alternatives are a) moving current rotation players to acquire a flawed star on a massive contract or b) just standing pat.

All of these options have risks.