Bulls Rumors: Getting John Collins would likely have to involve giving up Patrick Williams
At this point of the season, the Bulls are likely going to have to upgrade at the four or get Williams back well before the start of the postseason if they want to have one of the more complete starting units in the East. As it stands now, there are still teams like the Toronto Raptors that are going to be able to bully the Bulls on the boards. Just look at the fact that the Bulls nearly gave up two-dozen offensive boards to the Raptors in their Feb. 3 road loss in Toronto.
Yet, a lot of the issues the Bulls are facing with rebounding also stems from the lack of frontcourt depth coming off the bench.
Nonetheless, a big man that could help the Bulls in a multitude of ways this season that should be a nice fit with second-year head coach Billy Donovan is the standout Atlanta Hawks power forward John Collins. I have tabbed the former Wake Forest Demon Deacons star as a trade target worth watching for the Bulls before.
While it seems like a long shot for the Bulls to be able to get a trade deal done with the Hawks to land Collins, it is worth a try. A lot of what the Bulls are seeking out from an upgrade at the four at the trade deadline are aspects they can get out of Collins, and more.
Collins is truly one of the most effective rebounders and floor spacers among power forwards around the league today. He could help the Bulls on the boards, spacing the floor on offense, matching up better on defense, and running more effectively in transition.
It would also help to take some of the offensive pressure in the frontcourt off star center Nikola Vucevic.
This hypothetical trade deal for the Bulls to get Collins from the Hawks involves shipping off a lot of pieces. But any team that wants to get Collins from the Hawks would have to likely put together a package as valuable as this one.
It is also worth noting that the future first-rounder the Bulls give up here would be lottery protected.