Monday morning, Shams Charania of The Athletic fanned the flames on the John Collins trade rumors, pigging backing off of a report from Sam Amick last week. Charania said “Atlanta has so far sought a high first-round, lottery-level pick if it is to move Collins,” which may come as surprise given the Hawks’ self-proclaimed desire to compete for a playoff spot in 2021.
The speculation on what may happen with Collins goes back months now, as there was rumored trade talks surrounding the big man around the time of 2020 NBA Draft, then he and the Hawks notoriously did not come to an extension agreement ahead of the 2020-21 season.