It feels as if John Collins has been on the trading block from the moment he signed his five-year, $125 million contract back in 2021. Needless to say, all those trade talks, true or rumor, have not proven fruitful. Multiple factors have played into Collins hearing his name in trade talks for the last two years, but could this season finally be the year it happens? One NBA reporter believes so.
CBS Sports NBA Reporter, Brad Botkin, joined Dylan Matthews on "The Hometown Take" and when asked about the Hawks' plans for the trade deadline, the first name he mentioned was Collins.
Since signing his contract, the 6-foot-9 power forward has seen his PPG average fall each season from 17.6 in '20 to 16.2 in '21 to just 13.2 this season. He's also seen dips in his efficiency from the three-point line. Group all of that with his injury history throughout his career, missing 125 games in just six seasons, its no shocker that the Hawks would entertain a way to move him.
A change of scenery could also benefit Collins. Botkin mentioned how Collins is not a great fit in Nate McMillan's offensive scheme.
"He's just not a part of the plan anymore," said Botkin. "He's a corner spacer but he doesn't shoot that well."
Botkin went on to say that the asking price for John Collins has "dropped a little bit." John Collins is still an attractive piece as a versatile defender, low-post scorer, and occasional floor spacer. With a lower asking price could the Hawks finally pull the trigger and move one of their franchise cornerstones? We will know in four days at the trade deadline on February 9th.