The Dallas Mavericks currently are a middle of the pack team in the Western Conference with Luka Doncic seemingly experiencing a recent surge in his play after healing from an ankle sprain. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, could a trade for a difference-maker help them to take the next step?
One of the most frequently floated names linked to the Mavericks has been John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks, who Dallas previously had targeted for his five-year, $125 million contract extension.
Collins, who is averaging 16.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, has been in headlines at times for discontent regarding his role in the team’s half-court offense. With the Hawks having surged as of late, the noise has quieted.
The current expectation from many around the NBA remains that Collins will not get moved ahead of the NBA trade deadline, and the recent success the Hawks has achieved appears to have a hand in that potential outcome.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hawks-Mavericks Trade Lands John Collins In Dallas
According to Matt Moore of Action Network, the Dallas Mavericks have ‘re-entered’ trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks for John Collins ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.
The Dallas Mavericks were shopping for a center for much of the season, but have shifted in recent days to pursuing a power forward. Kristaps Porzingis’ revival this season has made Dallas focus on a stretch four to play next to Porzingis. They’ve re-entered the talks for Collins and have made calls about Siakam. However, two outside executives said they doubted Dallas would be able to make any significant addition at the deadline.
In theory, having a catch-and-shoot threat with elite explosiveness that also serves as a lob threat on rim rolls sounds like a wonderful fit to pair with a playmaker like Luka Doncic. Teams would have a tough team stopping that pick-and-roll tandem similar to how it operates with Trae Young with the Atlanta Hawks.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hawks-Mavericks Trade Lands John Collins In Dallas
Where there is potential concern is the fit that John Collins would share with Kristaps Porzingis in the frontcourt. The Mavericks’ offense goes out of its way to accommodate post-ups and touches for Porzingis and he’s shooting an abysmal 28.3% from three-point range this season.
The Dallas Mavericks would be in real need of Kristaps Porzingis converting at a much higher clip on catch-and-shoot looks from deep while a pick-and-roll takes place involving Luka Doncic and John Collins. However, would Porzingis be content with spacing more often?
