As the trade deadline approaches next month, the Atlanta Hawks are not looking to trade forward John Collins, but they “have shown a willingness to listen to offers.”
The Hawks and Collins failed to reach a contract extension agreement at the beginning of the season and he is set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason.
Per Sam Amick of The Athletic:
Entering Friday’s game against San Antonio, Collins is second on the team behind Trae Young in scoring (18.5 points per game), second behind Clint Capela in rebounding (7.8 per), second behind Capela in blocks (one per), and third in minutes behind Young and DeAndre Hunter (31.9). Even if there was a quality deal to be had that added future assets, his production in the present is so crucial that it appears unlikely that he’ll be on the move. Nonetheless, sources say the Hawks have shown a willingness to listen to offers for Collins (this should surprise no one).
Since the Hawks still have hopes to make the playoffs this season, an in-season trade may be unlikely, as the team could end up having to decide what to do with the 23-year-old.
Amick adds:
The John Collins situation in Atlanta will be worth watching as the deadline nears.
Despite the fact that he didn’t come to terms on an extension in the brief offseason, and that so many rival executives believe his NBA future will eventually be elsewhere as a result, there’s a complicating element that is coming into play: He’s a pivotal part of their team right now. And considering the widely-known reality that the playoffs are a massive priority for owner Tony Ressler & Co., that makes the prospect of trading Collins quite tricky.
No matter how much interest there might be.
If the Hawks still view themselves to be in a contending position by the trade deadline, Collins will likely stay for the rest of the season, but if the team struggles over the next several weeks, their mindset could change and Collins could be a trade candidate.
