5 co-stars the Dallas Mavericks should target to pair with Luka Doncic

Co-star Dallas Mavericks should target to pair with Luka Doncic: 3. John Collins

The Mavs have been rumored to be targeting Collins for well over one year now. Atlanta’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 coupled with their pre-trade deadline surge this year kept the 6’9 forward from being dealt, but changes are coming after the Hawks' first-round playoff exit.

Collins or Clint Capela is the most likely name moved as they try to shake up their roster. Danilo Gallinari has a $21 million expiring contract, but his trade value is minimal, so the Hawks are going to have to deal one of their starting big men if they plan on getting pieces or significant draft picks in return. Atlanta would love to shed some money and retool around Trae Young.

Collins averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 30.8 minutes per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the field, 36.4 percent on his threes, and 79.3 percent from the foul line this season. He is the perfect stretch four that slides down to the five in the postseason.

Collins has averaged over nine rebounds per game for two seasons before Capela arrived in Atlanta, and he would be a strong pick and roll partner for Luka Doncic. The 6’9 forward scored 1.44 points per possession as a roll man this season, which ranked in the top six percent in the NBA. He would be fantastic in Dallas, and the Mavericks are likely to have interest if he becomes available.