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OKC Thunder: 3 players to monitor post James Harden blockbuster

By Mark Nilon

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 28: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 28, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 28: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 28, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Player the OKC Thunder should monitor No. 2) John Collins

Unlike our belief that the OKC Thunder should get involved in trade talks involving Aaron Gordon to either land the power forward or help expedite a trade elsewhere, we would love to see the team jump into the mix involving John Collins to add him to their young core.

This is no disrespect to a guy like Gordon but, rather, an acknowledgment to the fact that Collins is younger, $14 million cheaper, and, frankly, possesses a higher upside.

Recently, we discussed how the 23-year-old is one of only a few players the team should consider trading some of their draft capital for and, should the rumors of rifts between him and Trae Young lead to the front office looking to deal him, Presti should strongly consider making the call.

Through four years in the league, the big man boasts impressive averages of 16.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and a block per game on 57 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from deep.

2019-20 was a true breakout season for Collins, as he posted stellar per-game averages of 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game on 58 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from deep.

Like we said in the article linked to above, trading draft capital to land a potential 1B player in John Collins to run alongside SGA’s 1A role moving forward is certainly something Sam Presti should pounce on if the Atlanta Hawks place the big man on the block.

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