Reports: Utah Jazz has shown interest in John Collins after Phoenix Suns turned him down
The jazz" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Utah Jazz are looking to add John Collins to their already well-balanced roster after the Phoenix Suns turned him down. The Atlanta Hawks big man has been involved in trade rumors in the past, but this could be the season when he'll be traded.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Hawks have started preliminary trade talks centered around the high-flying big man. Earlier reports talked about the Suns having an interest in Collins in exchange for Jae Crowder.
However, according to Phoenix sports radio host John Gambadoro, the Suns aren't interested in trading for Collins.
Contrary to reports the Phoenix Suns are NOT interested in Atlanta forward John Collins.
The Phoenix Suns are not interested in John Collins, via @Gambo987 https://t.co/5bYeXVZX9i
Instead of the Suns, the Jazz have become the team that's showing interest in the sixth-year big man. Utah could be the team that will be able to trade for Collins as they have a ton of assets to offer. Charania confirmed the reports earlier Friday.
The Utah Jazz have shown interest in John Collins, per @ShamsCharania https://t.co/IUUx2Gqvuk
In 15 games this season, Collins has averaged 12.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and blocks. The 6-foot-9 forward is making 49.3% of his field goals, including 22.7% of his 3-pointers this season. His numbers have dropped significantly this season, and his fit with Atlanta's new backcourt of Dejounte Murray and Trae Young hasn't worked out well.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Brooklyn Nets front office members admirers of young Atlanta Hawks star
The Atlanta Hawks have always wanted to trade John Collins
The Hawks are once again interested in trading away young big man John Collins. People aren't sure anymore with the amount of times Collins has been involved in trade talks for the team. It's almost as if it's their yearly tradition.
One Twitter user said that the Hawks' re-igniting trade conversations related to Collins can be compared to the show "Breaking Bad":
"The Hawks trying to trade John Collins every year is as unsuccessful as trying to move meth in Walter White’s territory."
The hawks trying to trade John Collins every year is as unsuccessful as trying to move meth in walter white’s territory twitter.com/shamscharania/…
With the recent re-opening of Collins' future with the Hawks, we could see the trade rumors last until this season's trade deadline on Feb. 9. Or the Hawks could keep him for the rest of the season and re-open trade talks over the summer. Still, it's confusing for fans if the Hawks keep doing this.
This could also be the cause of his play this season. He hasn't been a reliable offensive threat for the Hawks so far, and it could be because of how he's being treated by the organization.
Last season, during the trade deadline, he was one of the players who was expected to be moved. However, it didn't push through as the Hawks' demands weren't met. John Collins' trade status re-opened over the past summer.
During free agency this year, rumors about a Hawks-Suns exchange arose. But that didn't push through, either.
The Hawks (9-6), third in the Eastern Conference with, next play on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors.