Portland Trail Blazers: 4 good trades Neil Olshey can make before the deadline
Ed Stein
Trade: Portland Trail Blazers send PF Zach Collins (1-yr, $5.4M) to the Atlanta Hawks for PF John Collins (1-yr, $4.1M).
What’s in it for Portland
Both men play the same position and are pending restricted free agents, so it’s like for like. During the offseason, J. Collins turned down a reported $90M extension offer from the Hawks. Many see his willingness to take a hard line with Atlanta as a signal the potential RFA doesn’t want to play for a perpetual also-ran.
Portland is a different story. The Blazers are a potential contender in the Western Conference. Their window is open for another few seasons so that he can win in Rip City.
What’s in it for Atlanta
Rumors are that Atlanta wants a lottery caliber return for J. Collins. Good luck maximizing a trade for someone who has no intention of returning. He’s handcuffed Hawks GM Travis Schlenk. This is a potential way out.
Portland fans know all too well about Z. Collins’ injury history. When healthy, however, he has the potential to be a very effective modern-day big man. Collins can hit the boards or shoot from the outside. All that he needs is a consistent run of health.
Collins could return in April or miss the entire season. The latter is better for Atlanta; they can resign him on the cheap for a fresh start in a new city.
What’s your best Portland Trail Blazers trade? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.