The New Orleans Pelicans remain interested in trading for John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks. The two sides are seen as good partners, as New Orleans could send defensive-minded players to Atlanta, as the Hawks look to balance offense and defense on their roster.
The Pelicans have been gauging interest in Devonte’ Graham, Jaxson Hayes and Naji Marshall around the NBA. New Orleans is willing to move them as a group or as individuals. Graham still has two years and $24.7 million left on his deal after this one, but the final season only carries a light guarantee. Hayes can be made a restricted free agent this summer, while Marshall’s minimum deal carries a team option for next season.
Atlanta reportedly is talking Collins trades with several teams, but they have no mandate that they must move him and the $78.5 million he is owed for the three seasons after this one. If the Hawks can’t find a deal they like for the talented power forward, they are prepared to keep Collins for at least the rest of this season.