With an eight-game winning streak, the Atlanta Hawks are the hottest team in the NBA at the moment. The winning streak has put them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 22-20 record. But aside from jumping up the standings, their winning run has also reportedly made them reluctant sellers at the league’s trade deadline.
The Hawks, who were reportedly initially open to moving starting forward John Collins, now appear reluctant to do so, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
With the team racking up wins, they believe that dealing one of their key players away could mess with the team’s chemistry, especially with the playoffs approaching. Getting wins is also the Hawks' top priority, and with the Hawks getting it done on the court, a move that could change at the trade deadline has become increasingly unlikely.
But Haynes added that another reason why Atlanta is leaning towards keeping Collins has been the underwhelming offers made by teams inquiring about the 23-year-old forward.
One team that reportedly proposed a deal is the Dallas Mavericks, which was focused on center Maxi Kleber. While the other players and assets included in the deal remain unclear, what is certain is that the Hawks weren’t impressed and turned down the offer.
With a 22-19 record and holding the eighth spot in the Western Conference, the Mavericks could indeed be a team looking to add more talent at the trade deadline in preparation for a playoff run. But to do that, they either need to include more in a potential deal involving Collins or look elsewhere in acquiring players as the deadline approaches.
In 42 games this season, Collins is averaging 18.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for the Hawks, and will be an important part of the team’s if they choose to keep him past the trade deadline.
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