Phoenix lands a frontcourt partner for Ayton
After earning a sizable contract from the Atlanta Hawks two summers ago, John Collins is having a very down year. He is pacing to post career lows in both field goal and three-point percentage, as well as his lowest scoring average since his rookie season at just over 12 points per game.
His contract is set to pay him over $52 Million over the next two seasons, with a player option for 2025-2026 that would increase the figure above to nearly $80 million over the next three years. Still just 25 years old, Collins should be entering the prime of his career, but his play has not reflected this.
Collins was a highly consistent offensive presence in his first five seasons with the Hawks, and he rebounds the ball well and has historically been a reliable shooter from outside. Theoretically, this, combined with his Athleticism, Collins should be worth around his $25 million price tag.
A decrease in scoring output was expected with the addition of Dejounte Murray, but Collins’ efficiency marks have tanked. However, as a big team, spacing is integral to individual success. Despite their plethora of perimeter scorers, Atlanta finds itself just 28th in three-point percentage.
Trading for Collins would be a gamble with cap space that Phoenix can’t afford to misuse. With 4 $20 million-plus contracts already on the books, adding a 5th would have to improve this roster, which Collins could do drastically.
Collins could fill the role of a second or third option in Phoenix. He proved in Atlanta that he could score in volume efficiently, provide more inside presence, and play well alongside a ball-dominant guard.
This would be a risky play for Phoenix to take on another contract of this size, but on the other hand, James Jones might not be willing to give up what Atlanta wants. Realistically, it would seem premature for Atlanta to trade Collins after one down year, especially for this price.