John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
After missing the whole month of November last season with an injury, John Collins entered the 2020-21 NBA season fully healthy and has made a huge impact with the Hawks. Last season, Collins had his best statistical season of his career, averaging 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and shooting 58.3% from the floor, 40.1% from three-point range in 41 games and this season he has started off strong again.
He has solidified himself as one of the most versatile power-forwards in the entire league and whether it is in the low-post or on the perimeter, John Collins can score from anywhere on the court. Collins is still on his rookie contract, making him a very attractive trade target for the Indiana Pacers.
With just Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner in the frontcourt and Indiana being one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, they could use a forward with the aggressiveness John Collins plays with. His versatility is what makes him such a unique player, especially for a 6’9” power-forward who can play on the wing.
Collins would provide an immediate spark to this team’s rebounding efforts and help solidify them as one of the better scoring teams on the inside. Sabonis is an NBA All-Star level talent and given that Brogdon and Oladipo can all attack the paint as well, it would be very hard to guard Indiana with the addition of John Collins.
The only negative thing about trying to go after a guy like Collins is the price tag the Hawks would have on him. They would want numerous first-round picks in exchange and likely a player like T.J. Warren or Victor Oladipo, which could ultimately be the deal breaker for Indiana.
Much like the Pacers, the Hawks are in a great position as a franchise right now and seem to believe in their group of young players, so they may not be looking to trade John Collins at all, even though they failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension in December.
He is set to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of this season, making him one of the most attractive options on the open market next offseason. If Indiana does not trade for him this season, they could potentially look to potentially sign him during 2021 free agency.
