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Portland Trail Blazers make Zach Collins free agent, four teams interested

By Stevie Cozens

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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As originally reported by Jason Quick of The Athletic, the Portland Trail Blazers have declined to offer Zach Collins his $7 million qualifying option, meaning now that he is officially a free agent.

ESPN’s NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke that news this morning, while Bleacher Report reported in the last few days that Collins already had interest from four NBA teams.

A qualifying offer is an amount that sits on a team’s books after that player comes off their rookie deal. The way the number is calculated is based on the player’s previous salary. With the Blazers declining to offer this amount, they are unable to match any deal in free agency like they would have if he was restricted.

Now, any team is able to offer Collins a contract, and he and his camp can just choose from the best offer and situation available.

Bleacher Report, in their latest bundle of insider insights, reported that the following teams were interested in him. Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Free agency opens in under 48 hours, and any of these teams will be able to offer Collins a deal.

With a lack of quality big men available on the market, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Collins get a multi-year deal at over the minimum and maybe up to $5 million per year. As a big who can defend, shoot and pass, he still has a market in this league after successfully recovering from his latest foot surgery.

Next. Portland Trail Blazers: 3 best bargain bin free agents at each position. dark