5 Undervalued trade targets Blazers could steal at a discount

Discount trade target No. 2: John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

It’s no secret that John Collins has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time. Yet, despite the constant speculation, he has managed to remain in Atlanta.

However, this past season was Collins’ worst since his rookie year. He averaged 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks on 51/29/80 shooting splits in 30 minutes per game. Collins was inconsistent in the playoffs, scoring fewer than 9 points in three of six games against the Boston Celtics.

Because of this, Collins’ trade value may be even more diminished, making him a discounted player to target.

Potential Blazers trade package for Collins

ESPN’s trade machine projection: Blazers +3 wins

A Collins trade might have to be more complicated than a two-team trade. The players that match Collins’ contract and are likely to be included in a significant deal are either Simons or Nurkic.

However, the Hawks don’t need either of those players’ skill sets. They already have enough shooting with Trae Young and would have the same defensive liability problem as the Blazers have if they played Simons alongside Young.

They’re also set at the center position with Clint Capela and Onyeka Okwongwu.

Atlanta needs more wings, and a team with an excess amount of wings is the Brooklyn Nets.

The Hawks get two-way wings in Dorian Finney-Smith and Little to replace Collins, who combined make roughly $6.5 million a year less than Collins. They are good systematic fits for the Hawks’ style of play and could better cover for Young defensively.

Meanwhile, the main asset the Nets would be excited about is another first-round pick as they continue to retool after their blockbuster trade deadline moves.

How Collins would fit with Blazers

Collins would be a great addition to the Blazers as a power forward. His rebounding would be an upgrade to Grant’s 4.5 per game, and Grant would be able to move to his more natural small forward spot if Portland re-signs him in this scenario.

Although Collins didn’t shoot exceptionally well this season, he’s a career 35.6 percent 3-point shooter and can help stretch the floor. Another advantage of having Collins is his height of 6-foot-9, which would provide the Blazers with much-needed length, versatility, and rebounding.

Additionally, Collins is only 25 years old and could fit nicely alongside the Blazers’ promising core.

However, it’s worth noting that Collins has an injury history – he’s barely played 60 games per season in his first six seasons.