Boston Celtics: “Pass or pursue” on 3 recently rumored trade targets
By Mark Nilon
Rumored Trade Target No. 2) John Collins
Ok, so the inclusion of John Collins on Bleacher Report’s list was a bit shocking to us. Not because we don’t believe he’d be a good fit — in fact, we think he’d be great on the Boston Celtics — but, frankly, because the Atlanta Hawks would be foolish to give up on the talented power forward this early on in his career.
On the season, the third-year big is putting up impressive averages of 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game on 58 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from deep. Part of a promising young core in Atlanta consisting of All-Star point guard Trae Young, sharpshooting two guard Kevin Huerter, the raw but talented Cam Reddish, and Clint Capela, the Hawks appear to have the makings of a truly dominant team in a few years time.
However, according to whispers around the league, the franchise is a bit trepidatious about bestowing ample money to their young forward.
"The bouncy big man is extension-eligible this offseason, and the Hawks are hesitant to give him “significant money,” per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. If Boston doesn’t mind biting that bullet, it adds a rim-protector, floor-spacer and screen-setter on the same timeline as Tatum and Brown."
We’ve been saying it all season: the Boston Celtics need to add on to the talent pool in their frontcourt, specifically at center. Though Daniel Theis has impressed in his first season as a starter, it is apparent the 28-year-old has limited upside and, as things currently stand, there is no true long term option for the position on the roster.
John Collins could very well prove to be that fixture within the C’s rotation if acquired. Fitting the bill both in stature (6-9, 235-pounds) and play style (athletic stretch big who thrives on the boards and can defend the rim) of what Brad Stevens typically looks for in a center, the third-year talent could very likely thrive running in Boston’s scheme.
At 22-years-old, he would be a fantastic fit in terms of the team’s youth movement while also bolstering a rotation that they’ve been weak at seemingly all season.
Should they be able to land Collins without giving up Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, the idea of adding on the talented big sounds very enticing for this already menacing Boston Celtics core.