1. Collins Isn’t Worth Big Money

The time is approaching for the Atlanta Hawks to have to give John Collins a contract extension. He is set to earn $4.1 million during the 2020-21 season before becoming a restricted free agent during the summer of 2021. The price for his services is going to go way up.

A league source told NBA Analysis Network that Collins is planning to seek a maximum deal when he is a free agent. There’s still lots of time for things to change but if that’s going to remain his expectation, then the Hawks are going to need the free market dictate his value, or trade him.

Spending money shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the Hawks on the surface level. They are set to have enough cap space for two max free agents in 2020. However, it’s important to stay disciplined with how that space is used and giving a lot of it to Collins isn’t it.

The Hawks should follow a similar path the Indiana Pacers have taken to fill out their supporting cast. Without being a free agent hot spot, they routinely use their cap space to acquire positive contributing veterans at different positions without having to strike out in free agency.

The greatest example of the Pacers’ recent savvy was acquiring T.J. Warren for cash considerations. In addition, they received the 32nd overall pick to take Warren. Getting creative and capitalizing on other teams needing to clear cap space presents plenty of favorable opportunities.