3) Players to target in a Markkanen trade: John Collins, Power Forward
A really interesting idea if his name were to emerge broadly on the trade block this offseason would be the former Wake Forest Demon Deacons big man John Collins. Now about to enter his third year with the Atlanta Hawks, Collins is soon to have a more important contract decision on his hands.
According to a report from Chris Kirschner of The Athletic back in March, the Hawks are “hesitant” to pay Collins the big bucks. Just like Markkanen, Collins is soon to be entering the final year of his rookie contract. That will leave the Hawks with a big decision on their hands. But if it isn’t going to work out between the Hawks and Collins, maybe look to send him elsewhere?
Swapping Collins and Markkanen, likely among other trade pieces, would put both the Hawks and Bulls in a much different situation in their starting five. Collins is the best piece of the young supporting cast at the moment alongside former Oklahoma Sooners star point guard Trae Young in Atlanta. Would Markkanen be able to assume that role if he were traded to the Hawks?
In the season that was for the Hawks, Collins played in 41 games (starting in all of them). He averaged 21.6 points per game, 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks. Collins shot 58.3 percent from the field, 40.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 80.0 percent from the free-throw line. If there’s any shot that the Bulls could get a deal like this done, they should explore the option without a doubt.