John Collins’ Contract A “Hindrance” In Trade Talks?

The Hawks are trying to trade forward John Collins, but there’s one big obstacle — opposing teams don’t view his contract as having positive value, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (video link).

John Collins has been at the center of their trade talks,” Wojnarowski said on NBA Countdown. “… Starting next year, (he’s) still owed another $25 million a year, essentially $75 million over the next three years. I think that’s been a hindrance in the trade market. There are some teams, such as Utah, that would like a draft pick with Collins to offset that money.

Landry Fields, the new general manager in Atlanta, he does not see John Collins as a money dump.”

While Wojnarowki’s report isn’t new information, it’s still interesting to hear him use the word “hindrance” to describe Collins’ deal. He’s technically owed $78.5MM over the next three years after this one, including his $26.6MM player option for 2025/26.

Collins’ situation is reminiscent of Tobias Harris‘ with the Sixers — both are quality players, so their current teams can’t afford to just get rid of them while attempting to win, but opposing teams don’t like their contracts. Harris makes more money and only has one more year left on his deal, but still, the parallels are pretty obvious.

Wojnarowski went on to say that talks should pick up steam closer to the deadline, and like Dallas, Atlanta is expected to be “really active” in looking for roster upgrades.

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