One NBA writer is proposing that the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks make a trade this summer centered around John Collins.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Hawks send Collins to the Nets for Joe Harris and Patty Mills. The goal is for the Hawks to add more shooting while Brooklyn brings in more frontcourt talent.
“After years of a declining role and production, it’s finally time Collins leaves Atlanta,” Swartz wrote. “Adding more shooting around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray should be a priority, and Harris has long been one of the best in the NBA. He knocked down 42.6 percent of his triples last year and hasn’t shot under 41.9 percent in any of the past six seasons.
“Mills gives Atlanta a veteran point guard behind the two stars, someone to come in and help stabilize the second unit. Both Harris and Mills are on expiring deals, which opens up $26.6 million in cap space next summer when Murray will be due for a max contract. Collins, 25, becomes a building block in Brooklyn, able to start at power forward or come off the bench at either post position.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: John Collins, Atlanta Hawks & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Collins has been in trade rumors for the past few seasons. The Hawks always seem open to moving the 25-year-old, but they end up never pulling the trigger. It will be fascinating to see what Atlanta does with Collins this offseason.
A Wake Forest product, Collins averaged 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season for the Hawks while shooting 50.8% from the field, 29.2% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line. He signed a five-year, $125 million contract with Atlanta in August 2021.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: John Collins, Atlanta Hawks & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Collins has career averages of 15.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He was the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Hawks lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs in six games. Quin Snyder was hired as head coach in February. He replaced Nate McMillan, who led Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.
Meanwhile, the Nets got swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the postseason.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
