Insider confirms list of suitors for Atlanta Hawks star: REPORT

The ongoing trade speculation surrounding Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins could soon be coming to a close. Of course, we thought that would be the case when he signed a five-year, $125 million contract ahead of the last season. But the front office has persisted in its search for a new home for a player reports say would welcome a change of scenery.

Collins has missed the Hawks’ last five games with an ankle injury but was mired in a down season where his efficiency has hit a career low.

Despite the struggles, there are interested teams and the Hawks have taken calls.

In a new report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Hawks have engaged in at least cursory trade talks with four different teams ahead of the trade deadline in February. What’s more, Charania painted a much more imminent decision on the horizon.

Atlanta Hawks star John Collins drawing interest from four teams

Charania lists the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards as potential suitors for Collins. None of those are surprises at this point as all have been linked to the high-flying big man for some time. But Charania did update where things stand with a couple of them.

The report notes the Hawks have no interest in acquiring Brooklyn’s Joe Harris in a deal. They have gotten Bogdan Bogdanovic back up to speed quickly following an extended absence due to offseason knee surgery.

Despite interest in Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, Charania says there is no momentum for a trade involving the two forwards.

Charania also confirms an earlier report that the Phoenix Suns don’t want Collins’ contract.

Arguably the most notable aspect of the report is Charania framing Collins and Suns forward Jae Crowder as names “surely on the market, and on the move”. After two years of rumors, we have heard similar rumblings since before the season began and things do not appear to have gotten any better despite the Hawks adding another playmaker in Dejounte Murray.

Collins is averaging 12.3 points on 56.8% true shooting 7.5 rebounds. He has connected on just 21.9% of his triples. But Collins has embraced a more defensive role when on the floor, though the Hawks could certainly use a return to form from beyond the arc.

The Hawks have gone 2-3 without him and figure to remain without him for roughly another week before he is reevaluated.

That leaves plenty of time for a deal to get done or for a longshot change of heart to take place.

Both sides have thrived when everything is working but that has not been the case often enough. Still, as the Hawks try to sustain their winning ways, it would seem Collins should be more a part of the plan that a hindrance to it. So far, though, the most likely outcome remains that Collins will finish out his contract in a different uniform.