Chicago Bulls: 4 restricted free agents worth spending lavishly on

Restricted free agents worth spending lavishly on for the Chicago Bulls: John Collins

A very good run for new head coach (formerly of the Bulls’ divisional foe Indiana Pacers) Nate McMillan and the five-seed Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs this year is highlighted by the rise of power forward John Collins and star point guard Trae Young. The former Wake Forest Demon Deacons big man Collins and Oklahoma Sooners floor general Young are taking the Hawks to new heights this season.

This great run for the Hawks this season, as they’re currently challenging the top-seed in the East Philadelphia 76ers, was spurred by a rejuvenation of the roster last offseason that the Bulls can take some lessons from. The Hawks look to be on the come-up in the East, as long as there is continued growth with and around “Ice Trae”.

Part of that for the Hawks could involve re-signing Collins to a lofty contract out of restricted free agency this offseason. Collins might be the most productive and efficient standout player hitting restricted free agency this summer. And given that, Collins is going to get himself a nice pay raise during the summer months.

The numbers that Collins put this season made him near worthy of his first-career All-Star nod. He averaged roughly 18 points per game, eight rebounds, one assist, 0.5 steals, and one block, while shooting 56 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. He would be an upgrade for the Bulls at the four next to the star big man Vooch, that could also help the team form a legitimate big three.