We’re fast approaching the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, and several names are being tossed around in rumors. That includes John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks, who has been perceived as a top trade candidate dating back several seasons now.
Yet, the Hawks don’t want to part with their talented 25-year-old power forward as they take aim at returning to the postseason for the third year in a row. Or at least that’s been the line of thought in the past.
But once again, Collins finds himself at the center of trade talks, and the Hawks are reportedly trying to get a feel for his market around the association.
One interesting team that has popped up as of late is the Houston Rockets, who are still at least a year, if not more, away from competing for a playoff spot. But that’s not all, there are several reasons why the Rockets being linked to Collins is a fascinating proposition. Let’s dive in.
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Houston Rockets have discussed a John Collins trade
As Kelly Iko of The Athletic reports, the Hawks have spoken to the Rockets about a potential Collins trade. Yet, a deal does not appear close. At this stage, Iko’s report indicates the two sides have simply shared trade concepts so far, but Houston’s interest in adding the versatile scorer is “real.”
While Houston is said to be sniffing around Collins’ availability, they are not the only team considering a trade for the big man.
- John Collins stats in 2023: 13.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 51% FG, 26% 3PT
Still, the fact that Houston is even mentioned is noteworthy. Collins is 25, not anywhere near being ‘old’, but he also isn’t exactly on the same timeline as their other young cornerstones.
Jabari Smith Jr. is 19, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green are 20 years old. Yet it could be that Houston’s youth is becoming a slight issue without having many other veterans to help provide a healthy balance of experienced leadership combined with talent. Perhaps this is where Collins could provide a fresh perspective.
Then again, Collins is in the first year of a five-year, $125 million contract, and Houston’s current cap flexibility should be viewed as an asset for when they are willing/interested in pushing their chips all-in in pursuit of a playoff spot.
While Collins’ timeline fit, salary cost, and the team’s current trajectory are all reasons for caution when considering this rumor, we haven’t even mentioned the biggest potential roadblock to a trade.
Collins and the No. 2 pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, Jabari Smith Jr., both play the same position. Neither would appear to be better fits off the bench and adding Collins would only seemingly slow down Smith’s development. In other words, unless Smith is up for grabs less than a year after the franchise drafted him, we don’t see how Collins is a good fit in Houston. But crazier things have happened.