2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 big men teams should target
3. John Collins
All of the offseason moves the Atlanta Hawks made last year seemed to spell the end of the road for John Collins in Atlanta. While the Hawks haven’t lived up to the promise of their aspirations yet – resulting in Lloyd Pierce’s firing – one thing that hasn’t changed is the rumor mill surrounding Collins.
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The power forward is having a solid season, albeit with slight signs of regression from a year ago. He’s averaging 18.0 points and 7.6 rebounds, neither bad, yet both the worst marks since his rookie season three years ago. Collins ranks in the top 20 in total rebounds and field goal percentage (53.6 percent).
Collins’ big bugaboo is his inability to stay out of foul trouble. He has committed 118 total fouls this season, fourth in the NBA. He’s a valuable player when he’s on the court, but it’s hard to trust he’ll be available at the end of games.
Collins is just 23 years old and his best days are likely still ahead of him. Because of this, his trade market will be much different than some of the rentals out there, with teams out of the playoff picture potentially in on the power forward as well.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are a team constantly the fodder for rumors involving Collins and there’s a good fit there. Another interesting option, however, would be the Boston Celtics.