The John Collins trade rumors have slowly began to creep up, with the Atlanta Hawks reportedly looking to shop the 4th year big man ahead of the trade deadline in March. It's kind of puzzling why Atlanta is already giving up on a promising young stud like Collins, who is rounding out himself to be a potent offensive weapon and pick-and-roll partner with franchise star Trae Young. But apparently, the Hawks have been pondering over making a move for a few reasons.
In an article written by Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, he laid out several explanations as to why the Hawks are seriously considering parting ways with John Collins. For starters, they aren't too keen with the prospect of the 6-foot-9 forward as one of their franchise cornerstones. Both sides have failed to agree on an extension. Collins reportedly wants a 5-year max deal, but the Hawks are only offering 3-year variants.
“Atlanta's not in love with him,” said one front office executive.
There's a sentiment among league personnel that Atlanta didn't seriously engage Collins' representatives this offseason. These conversations are never linear; they always involve a back-and-forth between agents and teams. But this particular discussion never made much advancement, league sources said. The Hawks always preferred a shorter-term deal, including various structures of three-year agreements, while Collins' camp is said to have eyed a five-year framework.
In addition, there are some concerns about whether Collins helps them defensively in the long run. While he has made strides in that regard and could potentially become an elite defensive big in the future, an executive doesn't believe he can anchor a defense. Atlanta would ideally want to invest that max money in a player that helps them solve one of their most glaring weaknesses.
Debate on Collins' position appears to have clouded Atlanta's long-term evaluation of him. With Trae Young presenting an even squeakier wheel on the perimeter, the Hawks don't seem to believe Collins is capable of anchoring a defense as a full-time center.
The defensive concerns are far more real. Teams can only forfeit so much on that end of the floor, and the Hawks' recent additions—both Capela and their free-agent signings—were aimed to address those shortcomings. Atlanta now sits 18th in defense after finishing 28th last year. Collins has shown flashes of rim protection, and there's a belief among many in the league that he's already made significant strides guarding across the board this year.
“I don't see why [Collins] can't be part of a good defense,” the general manager added. “I just don't think he can drive a good defense.”
Make no mistake about it, Collins has the potential to be a star in the NBA. He is already showing flashes that he can be a major part of a winning team. Unfortunately, the Hawks don't appear as convinced as some other front offices might be.
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