The Trail Blazers will not extend a $7MM qualifying offer to forward Zach Collins, Jason Quick of The Athletic reports.
That will make Collins an unrestricted free agent next month. The 10th pick in the 2017 draft has only appeared in 11 games the past two seasons due to shoulder, foot and ankle injuries.
Collins learned late last month of a major setback when another fracture was discovered in his left foot. He underwent a second revision surgery to repair a left medial malleolus stress fracture and will require another 4-6 month recovery period.
“Obviously with me being a free agent, it makes it tough,” Collins said. “But I’m less concerned about what type of deal I’m going to get, or how many years it’s going to be, or who I’m going to play for … I’m more focused on this rehab and getting this ankle right.”
Projected to be over the cap, the Blazers couldn’t afford to tie up another chunk of money on a player who will likely miss significant time next season.
Agent Mark Bartelstein is still confident he can land a multi-year contract for his client.
“There’s no question he is going to get a deal; he’s an incredible talent,” Bartelstein said. “NBA teams are looking for guys who can protect the rim, switch everything on defense and make 3s. Zach is really a unicorn.”
Collins is still hopeful of remaining with Portland. Bartelstein will hold discussions with Neil Olshey, the team’s president of basketball operations.
“Neil and I talk all the time and we will do what we always do — sit and talk and see if something makes sense,” Bartelstein said. “But they are in a tough spot. They are up against the luxury tax, and there’s a sense of urgency to win now … so there’s a lot to balance. But I know Neil believes deeply in Zach. They know he is going to be good.”
It’s a pity, but I don’t see anyone giving him a multi-year contract (with more than one guaranteed year, at least). With his injury history, he should be happy if he gets a minimum offer before the start of the season.
OKC might sign him but probably only minimum deal.
Blazers are a mess. Dame is gone.
Dudes been absent for the last two years. I doubt he’ll be missed next season. If Dame leaves it’s not going to be because of Collins.
Not issuing the qualifying offer is probably a smart move
Dame is only gone IF the Blazers say so. They have him signed for four more years . I don’t think he will ask for a trade but if he does, I’d like to see the Blazers just say nyet.
James Harden would like a word…
Marquese Chriss better
Cavs?
Why? They have other bigs and he’s not likely to contribute this year.
That’s why it’s a good buy. 2 years 7 million. He still gets the money he missed and maybe we (Cavs fan) find a decent player and or trade chip.
“NBA teams are looking for guys who can protect the rim, switch everything on defense and make 3s. Zach is really a unicorn.” They are also looking forward guys who physically can play. Right now, Larry David’s feet are on the court more than Collins.
Good buy low guy, but I doubt he ever becomes more than a decent bench guy at this point.
Collins has talent but is always hurt. Hasn’t put in a solid year yet. He needs to prove himself. Don’t blame Blazers. But it’s gotta hurt he didn’t pan out. Still say best thing they can do is move CJ. He fits Hawks and they can get Collins plus Bogdanovic and picks. Hawks have young talent.
1st smart roster move of their off-season. Dude is a min player when you factor in is injuries.
Well the Sixers have experience with this
So….. why not take a flier?
Timberwolves
I’m hoping.
Mark Bartelstein should be forever banned from the NBA, for calling Zach Collins a unicorn.
Being a unicorn ain’t what it used to be.
He is a deer, but if he ever gets healthy he will be a fast deer.
He is gonna need a 1 and 1 prove it deal.
Everyone is a unicorn
6 months puts him back in January, so someone will prob bite on a minimum or maybe partial MLE. I could see Boston maybe taking a flier w/ their minimal depth. Team needs talent.
He’ll likely sign back with the Blazers for less than the Q/O, likely minimum. They know him, his rehab is with them and they’ll retain his Bird rights (vs a new team doing the same deal). Hopefully, he can put this series of injuries behind him. Though it doesn’t sound promising.
I’d rather have a four-legged horse than a three-legged unicorn.
I wouldn’t. Prosthetic legs cost far less that prosthetic horns.
When a big guy starts having repeated foot/ankle fractures his time in the league is usually limited if not over.
Finally some common sense! I wouldn’t give him more than one year contract and won’t think about bringing him back if he misses more than 5 games. Dude is getting paid to sit on sidelines! Another wasted pick smh!