Heading into the 2022 NBA offseason, one team that is ready to make some moves is the Atlanta Hawks. Last offseason, following their run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Atlanta decided to run things back. They brought back virtually the same rotation hoping to make another deep run in the postseason. Unfortunately, that did not occur.
The Hawks were unable to replicate that level of success. They ended up playing in the NBA Play-In Tournament, defeating the Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers to earn a spot in the field.
They faced off with the No. 1 seeded Miami Heat, who handled them with relative ease. Wanting to ensure that doesn’t happen again, Travis Schlenk and the front office are ready to make some moves.
The Hawks are open for business and outside of Trae Young and De’Andre Hunter, it sounded like everyone else was going to be available in some capacity. It was a matter of who would be on the move this offseason as Atlanta wanted to shake things up.
If Marc Stein’s sources are correct, we now know who could be on the move. According to him on his Substack, John Collins is all but gone.
“The likelihood of a John Collins trade, league sources indicate, is as high as it’s ever been…I’ve been advised that relocation for Collins this offseason is pretty much expected now.”
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks Have Discussed Trade Involving John Collins
Collins signed a five-year, $125 million deal as a restricted free agent last offseason. But, it shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise that he sounds like he will be on the move this offseason.
His role on offense has diminished the last few seasons despite still being an efficient scorer. He has made the most of those opportunities, making 55.9 percent of his shots overall in his career and 37.6 percent from 3-point range.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks Have Discussed Trade Involving John Collins
With elite athleticism to play above the rim, combined with strong rebounding and some rim protection, John Collins should be a sought-after player despite the contract. Only turning 25 in September, there is still plenty of time for him to develop his game. A franchise will be very happy acquiring him this offseason.