Boston Celtics: 5 free agents Cs should pursue from Southeast Division

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 01: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 01, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Hawks won 114-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics target No. 1) John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

If for some reason the Atlanta Hawks let John Collins hit the open market, the Boston Celtics should absolutely pursue him. Collins is one of the best young big men in the NBA and would fit perfectly with the shamrocks in the stretch four role alongside Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams.

It was rumored that Collins could be finding his way to Boston around the time of the trade deadline, but it never came to fruition. If the Celtics have that opportunity again in free agency, Danny Ainge would be a fool to not make him an offer.

Collins is the perfect stretch big for today’s NBA.

At 6-9, he’s the ideal size for a stretch four or even a small-ball center. He’s also only 23-years-old, which means he’s not in his prime yet but is still able to be a dominant offensive player from all three levels.

The biggest concern for Collins is his health as he’s never played a full 82 — or 72 in the case of 2020 — games for the Hawks. With injuries plaguing the Celtics in 2020-21, they may be especially wary of injury history when it comes to negotiating with free agents.

The financials of the deal could end up being a problem as they probably won’t be able to afford to pay him exactly what he wants. It could theoretically be a sign-and-trade deal in which the Hawks get one of the C’s high salaried players.