The Atlanta Hawks are looking to shake things up on their roster this NBA offseason. After handing out about $300 million in extensions last offseason, they are looking to change course and bring in some new players.
One of the players that have found himself involved in numerous trade rumors is John Collins. Collins signed a five-year, $125 million deal as a restricted free agent last year, but his time with the organization could be coming to an end.
According to Marc Stein on his Substack, Collins is widely expected to be traded by Atlanta. The Sacramento Kings are one team that has been linked to Collins and the Hawks already. Now, Stein is reporting another suitor; the Phoenix Suns.
The Hawks have been mentioned as one of the front runners to acquire Deandre Ayton this offseason. A sign-and-trade could be in the works involving the two, young frontcourt players.
“I’ve likewise been apprised that Suns GM James Jones has rated [John] Collins highly in the past. The Hawks, remember, have been routinely mentioned as a leading potential sign-and-trade partner for Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton.”
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Atlanta Hawks Among Most Linked Suitors To Phoenix Suns’ Deandre Ayton
That would certainly be an interesting framework to start a sign-and-trade with. The Atlanta Hawks being in the market for Ayton is a bit surprising as they already have Clint Capela in the starting lineup and Onyeka Okongwu backing him up. Ayton is a superior offensive player to them, but an argument could be made that he isn’t as strong of a rebounder or defender.
Acquiring Ayton would be the first of likely many moves as there is little incentive to have all three centers on the roster. There are a few teams around the league that are in the market for a big man, however, so Atlanta should be able to find a taker.
As for Phoenix, they would be happy to get something in return for Ayton. Collins is more of a power forward than center, but he is more than capable of playing either spot. A versatile, mobile big man with 3-point range is something the Phoenix Suns were missing when Dario Saric injured his knee and Collins would help fill that void while providing a much higher ceiling.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Atlanta Hawks Among Most Linked Suitors To Phoenix Suns’ Deandre Ayton
This will certainly be something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks as both Deandre Ayton and John Collins sound destined to have new homes at some point this offseason.
