5 trades for Dallas Mavericks to upgrade at center

Trade for Dallas Mavericks to upgrade at center: 2. Deal for Collins

Shakeups are coming in Atlanta after the Hawks were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Miami Heat in five games. They are building around Trae Young, but one name that often gets mentioned in trade talks is John Collins. The 6’9 big man will have plenty of suitors if the Hawks decide to move on.

The 24-year-old big man averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 block in 30.8 minutes per game this season. Collins checks all the boxes for the Mavericks, but what would they need to give up to get the deal done?

Mavericks receive: John Collins

Hawks receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, 2 first-round picks

Collins scored 1.44 points per possession as the roll man this season. He can roll to the basket hard for a lob or pop out beyond the 3-point line. Teaming with Luka Doncic would create one of the most devastating pick-and-roll combinations in the league.

The 6’9 big man is an underrated rebounder and rim protector. He would get more opportunities to block shots playing at the five, and Collins averaged over ten rebounds per game in 2020 before Clint Capela arrive in Atlanta.

The Hawks get a wing to space the floor for Trae Young and two first-round picks to keep the cost of their roster in check. They could also trade the draft choices for veterans to plug holes in their rotation.