OKC Thunder: Pros and Cons of trading for John Collins

Cons of the OKC Thunder trading for John Collins

Hawks GM Travis Schlenk is in a bit of a catch-22. The $90 million dollar deal offered to Collins this offseason was turned down because Collins believes he’s a max player. Trading Collins now isn’t an ideal scenario because his current contract wouldn’t equate to a big return unless the Hawks added another contract to increase the overall value. (Note: see closing because that factor could benefit the Thunder – post draft).

Factor in the free agents Schlenk added this offseason (Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, and Kris Dunn) won’t be on the table. That doesn’t leave a lot of options other than Tony Snell.

Even Snell is a precarious add given he’s suddenly turned into a 3-point sniper shooting a blistering 56.9 percent on 2.7 attempts. Putting this in perspective — Bogdan Bogdanovic was acquired for this specific intention but is shooting 31.9 percent (on 6.0 attempts) from deep!

In eight seasons Snell historically is a streaky but inconsistent shooter. Every year he has a stretch like he’s currently experiencing but it doesn’t last.  Then again, Snell isn’t the reason you make the trade — he’s the add-on to make the dollars work.

Ultimately, it’s on record the asking price is “signifcant” and that doesn’t necessarily mean draft picks which I guess could be a pro. Al Horford would make the most logical sense but would require more than Snell and Collins to make a deal work. However, Trevor Ariza plus picks for Collins and Snell does work. 

An obvious issue is whether Collins would re-sign with the Thunder. There’s no use bothering to make the deal if there isn’t absolute certainty he’ll agree to a long-term deal although the Thunder would own his rights.

Collins’ tenure with the Hawks has experienced great highs and equally dramatic lows. Last season his 25-game suspension for PED usage stands out. But, the other elephant in the room is the character question. The fact he’s spoken publicly about his issues with the offense and Trae Young won’t fly in OKC.

Another con could be how Collins would impact the rotation. While his presence could bolster the offense and rebounding it could also equally affect the development of the young bigs on the Thunder. On the other hand, Collins would allow Darius Bazley to be the floor-spacing big.