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Another trade deadline, another John Collins rumor. The Atlanta Hawks' big man has been a frequent mention in NBA trade rumors over the past few seasons. However, this year could finally be it for their five-and-a-half-year-long partnership.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Collins is receiving significant trade interest from the Utah Jazz. Collins has desired a bigger role offensively but hasn't received the nod. Those issues extended further this season with the addition of Dejounte Murray, the Hawks' No. 2 option on offense.
As a result, John Collins is averaging 13.1 points per game on 10.3 field attempts, his lowest mark since his rookie year (when he averaged 10.5 PPG on 7.4 FG attempts). Collins is also shooting career-worse 22.8% from 3-point range on 3.2 attempts. Atlanta has faced many roster chemistry issues this year, resulting in a 22-22 record.
They are arguably the most disappointing team this season. They were expected to make the leap into a top-four team with the addition of another All-Star guard. However, with that not happening, making adjustments to their roster seems like the best way forward.
John Collins appears to be their best trade candidate. It would also free up some cap space for them, as he is owed roughly $100 million until the 2025-26 NBA season.
Utah Jazz appear to be an ideal landing spot for John Collins
The Utah Jazz have entered a rebuild following the end of the Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert era this past offseason. Despite lacking star depth, the Jazz have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. They rank fourth in offense with a 116.1 rating.
The Jazz's selfless brand of basketball and the young talent on their team allows equal opportunities for every player offensively. Collins would be an excellent fit in this scenario. He has desired this flexibility with the Hawks, but with the presence of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, that is unlikely to happen.
John Collins could bloom into one of the best two-way power forwards with the Jazz. The Jazz need some reinforcements on defense and Collins could help them improve in that regard.
Meanwhile, they could get rid of veteran players in a potential deal. The Atlanta Hawks are eyeing Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt. It's unclear whether the Jazz will be willing to include the latter. He is only 23 and has tremendous upside.
Vanderbilt is among the players who fit their timeline. It will be interesting to see what players they would be willing to include in a potential deal with the Hawks.
