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John Collins might be the odd big out with the Hawks. Atlanta traded for center Clint Capela at last year’s deadline. The Hawks took center-power forward Onyeka Okongwu with the No. 6 pick in last year’s draft. They signed Danilo Gallinari , who should primarily play power forward, to a big contract last offseason. De'Andre Hunter , who can play both forward spots, is one of the NBA’s most improved players . Collins rejected a contract extension reportedly worth more than $90 million. He’s heading toward restricted free agency this summer. He also clashed with the Hawks’ franchise player, Trae Young . Sam Amick of The Athletic : The Hawks, sources say, have long since begun talking to teams about moving him and appear to have become more motivated recently. the closer we get to the deadline, the more likely it seems that Collins will be moved. The Hawks are pushing hard for a productive young prospect to come their way in return The Hawks … [Read more...] about Report: Hawks increasingly likely to trade John Collins

Minnesota has the worst record in the NBA, yet they might be buyers at the trade deadline. Atlanta has a John Collins decision to make — do they want to pay a max or near-max contract this summer to keep the bouncy and skilled 23-year-old stretch four? — and other teams are watching closely. There is some trade buzz around Collins heading into the deadline, but the price to get him would be steep. Minnesota is “dying” to land Collins, ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan said on The Bill Simmons Podcast, they love the idea of putting Collins next to Karl-Anthony Towns . “Minnesota is dying to have him [Collins]. Minnesota wants him bad. What will they offer? I don’t know. They really want him. I think there are other teams too, but Minnesota particularly.” This is not new news, Shams Charania of The Athletic had reported before the Timberwolves were looking at Collins and Orlando’s Aaron Gordon . Darren Wolfson and others have mentioned it as well. The problem would be … [Read more...] about Report: Minnesota ‘dying’ to add John Collins to roster

John Collins wanted a max contract extension – projected to be worth $125,903,904 if for four years – before last month’s deadline. The Hawks apparently came fairly close. Chris Kirschner and Sam Amick of The Athletic : sources say he left a deal worth more than $90 million on the table That’s a large extension to reject. Collins’ four-year rookie-scale deal was worth just $11,059,862. More than $90 million would’ve been life-changing money. But it wasn’t the max Collins sought – and might get in restricted free agency next summer. He’s a talented offensive player – explosive near the basket with increasingly dependable 3-point shooting. His defense needs work, but he has potential as a rim protector. And he’s just 23. Atlanta has loaded up on bigs. The Hawks traded for Clint Capela , drafted Onyeka Okongwu No. 6 and signed Danilo Gallinari (who should primarily play power forward). Atlanta clearly still values Collins, but is also more-prepared to move on … [Read more...] about Report: Hawks offered John Collins more than $90M on contract extension

As the 2020-21 NBA season nears its midpoint, we’re rating the top performers so far. Most Improved Player Kurt Helin: Jerami Grant (Pistons) Grant was a role player and key perimeter defender in Denver last season (and they miss him this season) who was asked to come to Detroit and play a completely different role as a No. 1 offensive option — and he has thrived. He has had genuine improvement while seeing a massive jump in usage rate this season and remaining fairly efficient on offense and scoring 23.4 points per game. Christian Wood is also in the mix for this award with his play in Houston (the Rockets 13-game losing streak is tied to the 13 games he has missed). Julius Randle and Zach LaVine both have become much more efficient in their roles this season and deserve consideration as well (their roles and usage have remained pretty much the same, they are just better at it under new coaches). Dan Feldman: Julius Randle (Knicks) Julius Randle is far … [Read more...] about PBT Midseason Awards: Most Improved Player

There will be John Collins trade rumors flying around as we get closer to the NBA’s March trade deadline. He and Atlanta could not reach an agreement on an extension before the season. The Hawks reportedly offered a $90 million contract and he wants the max. An efficient and athletic forward scoring an efficient 18.5 points a game who can play inside or hit threes is going to have a lot of value on the open market, so Collins bet on himself. The Hawks have somewhat of an overlapping skill set in Clint Capela . It all makes sense for the Hawks to listen to trades. Just don’t bet on a deal getting done, something Sam Amick discusses at The Athletic . 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 … [Read more...] about Atlanta reportedly listening to offers, but will it trade John Collins at deadline?