Atlanta Hawks HC Nate McMillan sends strong message on $125M Star’s Future

It sure sounds like the Atlanta Hawks are intending on at least starting the season with John Collins on the roster if we can take Nate McMillan‘s comments from the broadcast during the second quarter of the Hawks’ summer league opener at face value. This differs from many reports that have come out regarding the situation.

Collins has been at the center of trade rumors for the last two offseasons. There have been reports that contention with the front office reached the point of Collins’ representatives urging the Hawks to trade him during early extension negotiations.

We also had a report from The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner (subscription required) that Collins was “done” with the organization.

McMillan’s words, however, could put Collins’ standing in a different light.

John Collins’ Future with Atlanta Hawks Potentially Clarified by Nate McMillan

The Hawks fell to the Utah Jazz 72-66 in the summer league opener. They were without rookie A.J. Griffin, the 16th-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, due to right foot discomfort. Second-year point guard Sharife Cooper was a game-time decision but he did suit up even drawing the start despite his uncertain status.

But the faces of the big club got plenty of attention with the arrivals of members of the team being announced like live game updates.

It was McMillan’s quasi-update that could have the largest ripple effect, though.

“John Collins was hurt during the playoffs. So it really put a lot of pressure on Trae to do a lot for us. Adding Murray to our lineup, that’s…really going to help us. It gives us another option out there with Trae and John Collins.”

McMillan’s comments sound like the plan is for Collins to be an integral part of the attack.

We have not heard of any reconciliation over Collins’ dissatisfaction. But there have been reports that the Hawks wisely would not just give him away and would be content to roll into next season with him on the roster.

Hawks general manager Landry Fields offered up similar sentiments on draft night.

Collins was one of just seven players to average at least 16.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 36.0% or better from beyond the arc during the regular season.

He also has a 20-10 season to his credit.

Those are not common numbers. And while this is far from a definitive read on the situation, there is plenty of logic behind a Collins return with hopes that more wins smooth things over. After all, the 24-year-old, 6-foot-9 high-flyer is heading into just the second season of a five-year, $125 million contract signed last summer.

The Hawks will take on the New Orleans Pelicans in their second summer league contest.