Dallas Mavericks rumors: Team talking about John Collins but not favorite

The Dallas Mavericks continue to engage teams as they search for upgrades ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. They are light on tradeable draft picks but would love to add a massive upgrade. Finding that deal will be difficult. It has not stopped the rumors from cropping up in recent days.

Mavericks fans are dreaming of a massive deal. One of the top names is John Collins. The 23-year-old is capable of averaging 20 points and ten rebounds per game. He would provide a significant upgrade for the Mavs. Chris Haynes reported Dallas made an offer for Collins, but the Hawks rejected it.

Brad Townsend shared the latest on the Mavericks pursuit and the Hawks thinking just 24 hours ahead of the trade deadline. Let us take a closer look.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks talking with Hawks about John Collins

Townsend broke down the Mavs talks with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

I would peg the Hawks holding on to Collins at greater than 60 percent. They spent a significant amount of money in the offseason to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Atlanta has won eight of nine and currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference. It seems unlikely they would trade their starting center unless they are acquiring a star player.

Collins is a restricted free agent after this season. Atlanta would have to go into the luxury tax to sign both him and Trae Young to massive extensions. The only reason to trade Collins would be to avoid that impending situation.

Do not expect the Dallas Mavericks to acquire John Collins before the trade deadline. Other teams will be offering first-round picks and young talent that could blossom into stars. The Mavs do not have those pieces to make available.

Fans should keep their head on swivel because the next 24 hours could get wild. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest rumors, plus daily analysis on the Dallas Mavericks that cannot be found anywhere else.