The Atlanta Hawks have been a disappointment this season, and they're clearly looking to shake things up even more after already trading Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks. John Collins has come up in trade rumors after expressing some frustration about his role on offense. According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, the Hawks are becoming “more active” when it comes to trying to find Collins a new home ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline.
Atlanta has been involved in Ben Simmons trade discussions, with Collins a potential trade piece there. However, the Hawks reportedly don't have interest in taking on Tobias Harris in a Simmons deal, which complicates matters.
Fischer also notes Atlanta being in on Jerami Grade trade discussions as a Simmons backup plan, with Collins' salary working in a direct swap. It's unclear, though, if either side actually has any interest in that kind of move.
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Whatever the case, it seems as if the Hawks are trying to find a Collins trade that makes sense, even after giving him a five-year, $125 million contract this past offseason. The big man is putting up solid numbers once again this season, averaging 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 53.7% from the field and 42.6% from 3-point range. Atlanta's offense has been prolific, but Collins wants a more defined role after he was something of an afterthought during the run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season (13.9 points per game in the postseason).
Atlanta is on a four-game winning streak to get to 21-25 on the season, so there are signs of life. The Hawks still aren't in the play-in picture, but they're just a game behind the No. 11 New York Knicks and 1.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Washington Wizards. Just making the play-in isn't the goal, though, so president Travis Schlenk is exploring all opportunities to improve his team, especially on the defensive end.
That could mean a John Collins trade in the next few weeks.
Follow Us
Subscribe