Hawks Decreasing Asking Price for John Collins?

Trade rumors involving Hawks forward John Collins are all over the place, with some suggesting the Hawks may decide not to trade him all.

Now, however, it appears the Hawks aren’t only looking to trade Collins ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline, but are significantly lowering their asking price, per Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Rather than demanding a first-round pick in exchange for Collins, the Hawks are more tuned into receiving a player or players, sources told Amick.

Interestingly, the Hawks sent out a bunch of assets to the Spurs to acquire guard Dejounte Murray, which is likely why they may have been seeking picks in talks on Collins. But given that they really aren’t much better than last season, before the Murray trade, another win-now type of player may help more.

The Jazz reportedly have been the most dedicated suitor of Collins, with the Rockets and several others also reportedly interested. In fact, the Rockets and Hawks have recently spoken about a Collins trade, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Collins, 25, is 6-foot-9 and averaging 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds in 43 games, shooting 51 percent from the field.