East Rumors: Hawks, John Collins, Wizards, Kyle Kuzma, Pacers

Hawks

Trade talks involving forward John Collins may have slowed, though the Hawks continue to seek a deal, per Steve Bulpett of Heavy Sports.

Atlanta’s asking price may be part of the issue, as may be Collins’ large contract, Bulpett wrote.

“The thing about John Collins is that they’d have to replace him,” a league source told Bulpett. “He’s a pretty good player. They might not want to pay him, but he’s a pretty good player. You’d better get something good back for him if you’re trading him. He’s a starting player averaging 13 and 8. You know, he’s not a slouch.”

Wizards

While the Wizards are seemingly telling teams they intend to keep forward Kyle Kuzma, his looming free agency could make things a little less certain. 

Rival executives have told Hoops Wire they could still see Kuzma being moved — even after the trade of forward Rui Hachimura to the Lakers. Bulpett apparently is hearing the same.

“I’m told he’s talked with them about a trade if they don’t think things are going to work out there,” a league executive told Bulpett. “Guys there have told me he wants to be the main guy. Nobody has a problem with the kid’s work ethic. He works his ass off and he’s improved, but he thinks he’s the guy. So you could see something happen there.”

• We have more on the Wizards in today’s East notes right here, or always on our Wizards page.

Pacers

• The Pacers are overall pleased with their young roster and how’s it developing, but are open to moving shooting guard Buddy Hield or guard Chris Duarte, sources told Hoops Wire.
• When it comes to Hield, it appears the Pacers would want a first-round pick as part of a return, sources said. 
• Meanwhile, opposing teams don’t expect the Pacers to try to move center Myles Turner before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. “That may be a first since he’s been there,” one rival GM half-jokingly told Hoops Wire.