The Hawks‘ deal with power forward Danilo Gallinari has raised some questions about John Collins‘ long-term fit in Atlanta. However, Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (via Twitter) that the club is still hoping to get a rookie scale extension done with Collins this offseason. In other words, the addition of Gallinari doesn’t mean the Hawks don’t still consider Collins part of their future.
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference on the first night of free agency:
- In the wake of a report that Wizards point guard John Wall is seeking a trade out of Washington, Fred Katz of The Athletic notes (via Twitter) that Chris Miller of NBC Sports Washington reported earlier this week that Wall was “surprised” to hear GM Tommy Sheppard say that the franchise was building around Bradley Beal. Even if Sheppard’s comment didn’t directly lead to Wall’s apparent trade request, the timing is interesting.
- Aaron Holiday has drawn frequent trade interest over the last two years, but the Pacers remain high on the 24-year-old guard, per J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star (Twitter link), who hears that Holiday is “safe.” Holiday’s name came up in trade rumors involving Boston earlier today.
- The Pistons didn’t want to go as high as Houston was willing to in order to re-sign Christian Wood (nearly $14MM per year), which was way the team shifted its focus to Jerami Grant, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic (Twitter link).
In other words, Wall is upset that Washington doesn’t consider him their #1 guy anymore. The problem is that he would not be the #1 guy for any franchise he is dealt to. Other than maybe Detroit or OKC. And I don’t see either of those teams taking him on. OKC might if Washington tacks on some draft picks. They will take anyone if a draft pick is attached.
i wouldnt link the two that closely
Not sure why anyone would want Jon Wall at this point.
The big 3 :
Injury prone, overpaid , and complainer
If Wall isn’t level headed enough to understand you can’t count on or build around a guy that hasn’t played in 2 years and is coming off major injuries than they need to get rid of him by any means necessary.
Honestly its at the point where you dump him for role-players
Common courtesy indicates that Sheppard should have said building around Beal/Wall, easy & all happy!
JC must be given the max, no brainer!
DET won’t pay a great player 13MM but rather pays a below average starter 20MM… way to go!
I wouldn’t link the two that closely (great and Christian Wood!).
So.much news lately, after so little for a month or more. But I haven’t seen anything on the Cavs lately! Maybe that’s good.
I think the Cavs basically just sit on a shelf until LeBron decides to honor them with his presence. Only half-kidding there.
Wall is huge injury risk….cannot shoot the J. He should cash his check and STFU!