NBA Trade Rumors: According to a recent report, the Atlanta Hawks may be looking to trade John Collins ahead of the NBA Draft.
During the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The next season, they limped into the NBA Playoffs and lost in five games to the Miami Heat in the first round.
In an attempt to get back on track, the expectation surrounding the Hawks is that we could see a bit of a retooling of the roster around Trae Young, who appears to be the only piece that is truly considered an untouchable at the moment.
According to a report from The Ringer, the Hawks could be ready to trade John Collins in an attempt to move up in the 2022 NBA Draft. If Collins is not considered an untouchable, it’s hard to see how anyone else on the roster (other than Young) would be.
"League sources say the Hawks are looking to add a lottery pick either by outright trading John Collins or also including this selection."
It appears that the Hawks could be targeting a player in the lottery if this report is accurate. And perhaps a wing considering that they’d be willing to part ways with Collins. Perhaps this could indicate that the Hawks are looking to create a more well-rounded roster around Young.
Maybe there’s a wing in the lottery that they could be targeting in an attempt to place next to Young (and maybe Clint Capela)?
Either way, it’s probably a good sign that the Hawks aren’t afraid to retool the roster. The supporting cast around Young has become somewhat stale and there’s a change that needs to happen.
And if it means the Hawks take a step back (and wait for progression from a rookie), it’s probably best that they make it happen. Keep an eye on the Hawks and, specifically, Collins ahead of the NBA Draft.