Spurs, Heat Among Teams Eyeing John Collins

Originally posted on FortyEightMinutes | By Chris Crouse | Last updated 7/14/21

The Mavericks and Heat are among the teams with interest in Hawks forward John Collins, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Spurs and Timberwolves are also eyeing Collins, believing that he could be “attainable” in free agency.

While Collins and the Hawks are coming off an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Finals, there’s a feeling around the league Atlanta’s roster will look slightly different next season. Bringing Collins back on the type of contract he’s expected to garner in restricted free agency would clog the team’s salary cap, which could leave an opening for another organization to swoop in and ink the big man.

“It’s complicated, of course, because what we’re trying to convince people is we’re building something, but let’s not kid ourselves, our job is to run a good business,” Hawks owner Tony Ressler said.

“What we are trying to achieve is literally keeping our best players, as you could imagine, trying to make clear that we’re going to have to spend a lot more than we have this season. We fully expect that.

More NBA Trade Rumors

The Cavs have interest in Ben Simmons but there’s “no chance” that the Sixers would be interested in a trade package that has Collin Sexton as the centerpiece, per Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. Simmons’ value remains high around the league, as FortyEightMinutes recently reported, and any Cavaliers deal for the 2016 No. 1 overall pick would likely require a third team to get involved.
The Knicks have Sexton on their trade radar and there is a sense the Cavaliers guard could be traded prior to the NBA Draft on July 29, Marc Berman of the New York Post hears. Berman adds that Cleveland would want 2020 No. 8 overall pick Obi Toppin back as part of the package that they are sent.
The Pacers are willing to give up the No. 13 pick in the upcoming draft for a player who can contribute right away, J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star hears. Indiana and Houston had talks about the selection, presumably about Eric Gordon heading to the Pacers since the team is targeting players with at least two seasons remaining on their contract.