Just hours ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft, it seems like the most notable player with a bevy of trade rumors surrounding his name is Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins. On Thursday, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Sacramento Kings were "leading the way in terms of the negotiations" regarding the 2018 Second-Team All-Rookie.
Where Collins ends up by the end of Thursday — if he's traded at all — is far from decided as of mid-afternoon on draft day though. In fact, Amick noted that there are several other teams inquiring about the 24-year-old, including the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards.
There have also reportedly been discussions between the Hawks and San Antonio Spurs involving a particular All-Star guard in Texas, but the talks apparently haven't gotten far yet.
There have been significant talks between the Spurs and Hawks about a deal involving Dejounte Murray and John Collins, sources confirm to @sam_amick.
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 23, 2022
Yet as of late last night, San Antonio’s asking price was seen as exorbitant by Atlanta.
More intel: https://t.co/VBrMggkWjY pic.twitter.com/fuBvC3byWI
The 29th overall pick by San Antonio in 2016, Murray is coming off of by far his best season. He finished the year with career highs across the board in points (21.1), assists (9.2), rebounds (8.3) and steals per game (league-leading 2.0), while posting a career-best 46.2% as well.
A first-time All-Star, Murray filled up the stat sheet on a nightly basis, finishing second in the NBA in triple-doubles with 13, and is still only 25 years old.
Collins was limited to 54 contests during the 2021-2022 season and averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists with a .526/.364/.793 shooting line.
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