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Portland Trail Blazers: Gary Trent Jr and Zach Collins extension predictions

By Stevie Cozens

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Meyers Leonard #11, Zach Collins #33, Seth Curry #31, Jake Layman #10, Gary Trent Jr. #9, and Skal Labissiere #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers react from the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Trail Blazers defeated the 76ers 130-115. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Meyers Leonard #11, Zach Collins #33, Seth Curry #31, Jake Layman #10, Gary Trent Jr. #9, and Skal Labissiere #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers react from the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Trail Blazers defeated the 76ers 130-115. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers
Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Collins extension

Collins market is actually pretty difficult to determine at the moment, as it’s unclear if he can truly play both the four and five positions. If he can play both by stretching the floor and using the passing ability that he flashed in the bubble, his value will increase.

But, if when he comes back, he is only playing as backup five, or if he struggles at the four, then his value to the Blazers is just as a backup big.

Other teams could bid more for his services if they need a long-term starting big, but they may view his injuries as a barrier to offering a large deal.

Collins combination of aggressive defense and skill on offense is unique in many ways. There aren’t many players with his type of potential on both ends. The problem for Collins is that it is still just potential until he puts it all on the floor.

Injuries in the 2020 season, and then limited roles in the seasons before, have meant we haven’t seen Zach play consistently.

If he can get on the floor in January and play around 20 – 25 minutes a night, he will probably get his value to around $8 – $10 million a year.

But, at the moment, his value is lower than that until we can see 60 straight healthy games where he plays a consistent role.

I can see a team offering 4 years – $40 million potentially, and the Blazers matching, but unless he explodes this year and demands minutes at the four and five, there won’t be offers bigger than this. There are very few teams with cap space next season as well.

Prediction – $10 million a year. Blazers to match any offer up to $12 million.