Jan 31, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) reacts after missing a three-point basket in the closing minute of their loss to the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Hawks looking to trade PF John Collins before NBA draft

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/22/22

Power forward John Collins has been named in several trade rumors since the Atlanta Hawks' season ended. On the eve of the NBA draft, the Hawks appear more motivated than ever to deal the 24-year-old.

According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, the Hawks "are operating with the goal of trading Collins" Thursday's draft.

One thing that is certain: the Atlanta Hawks, sources say, are operating with the goal of trading John Collins before Thursday night gets underway. https://t.co/a6TWhJk13S
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 22, 2022

Earlier this week, Fischer speculated that the Hawks could include Collins in a package to the Utah Jazz for three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, several teams have emerged as potential suitors for Collins, including the Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings, who both own top 10 picks in this year's draft.

The Kings come armed with the No. 4 overall pick in Thursday's draft, though The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that the Kings' lottery pick won't be on the table in a possible deal with Atlanta for Collins.

"Sacramento general manager Monte McNair has engaged in conversations around Hawks forward John Collins," Charania wrote. "But there has been no involvement of the No. 4 pick in the discussions centered on Collins, and McNair will ultimately make the decision on the pick, according to sources."

Collins has four years remaining on a five-year, $125 million contract signed in 2021. He'll make a $23.5 million base salary in 2022-23.

Last season, Collins averaged 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game in 54 appearances. Collins averaged 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in five playoff contests for the Hawks.

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