Nets interested in Hawks’ John Collins: report
The Nets have entered the John Collins sweepstakes — but the Atlanta Hawks reportedly aren’t interested in what the Nets are selling.
The Hawks have been floating the star forward’s name in trade rumors for years, and according to The Athletic, the Nets are among teams interested in acquiring Collins’ services.
They have joined the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks in pursuit of the star forward.
The Hawks, according to The Athletic, however, weren’t interested in a deal that includes sharpshooter Joe Harris. The remaining portion of Brooklyn’s offer for Collins is unknown.
The desire for a player of Collins’ caliber is understandable, though the fit raises more questions than answers.
Collins is a highflying floor-spacing four on the outs in Atlanta after repeated spats with superstar guard Trae Young. He is averaging 16 points and eight rebounds over the course of his career but hasn’t played since the beginning of December and is out with a sprained left ankle.
Collins could provide more size for a Nets team that largely struggles against bigger and more physical opponents. He also has the capability to step back and knock down a three. He is only shooting 22% from downtown this season but is a career 36% three-point shooter.
SNY’s Ian Begley also reported the Nets “touched base” with the Hawks about Collins’ availability last week. The Nets are clearly interested in making a deal, but it remains unclear whether or not the Hawks will entertain a trade seriously given Brooklyn’s roster constraints.
Harris has recovered from two ankle surgeries that ended his season early last year. He was moved to the second unit in favor of newly acquired Royce O’Neale. O’Neale missed his second straight game for personal reasons against the Wizards on Monday. Prior to sitting both games, O’Neale ranked second behind Kevin Durant in total minutes played this season.
