Toronto Raptors: 5 trade and additions ranging from practical to explosive

Toronto Raptors trade target: John Collins worth making a call on

Now we’re getting into the big stuff.

There are very few players in the NBA like the Atlanta Hawks’ John Collins. Not a superstar but not a role player, he fits into that top-50 category. He won’t carry you through a playoff series, but he can be relied upon for above-average production night in and night out.

On top of being just 23 years old, Collins is also box office. With the ability to dunk on almost anybody in the league, he’s caused many an opposing centre to make a business decision at the rim. While his rebound numbers have dipped this season due to the emergence of Clint Capela, he averaged 10 boards a game last year.

So why might he be available? For starters, he’ll be hitting free agency next year, and is set for a massive pay raise. With the Hawks having a ton of money tied up in an aging Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanović, as well as having to pay franchise cornerstone Trae Young in a year’s time, they could be willing to listen for offers for Collins.

Acquiring Collins could be seen either as a high-priced rental or a sign that management believes this team can compete this season with a few tweaks. Either way, it would likely mean sending a current bench/role player and a pick to the Peach State. A spark plug charged with energy, acquiring Collins would show a massive commitment to this year’s Raptors.