Hawks big man John Collins met the NBA’s “starter criteria” on Friday night, increasing the value of his qualifying offer in restricted free agency this summer, as Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets.
The starter criteria requires an RFA-to-be to start at least half of his team’s games in the two seasons leading up to his free agency. Collins started 41 of Atlanta’s 67 games in 2019/20 and has now started 29 of 72 this season, for a total of 70 starts out of 139 games, surpassing that halfway point.
As a result of meeting the criteria, Collins’ qualifying offer in restricted free agency will now be worth $7,705,447 instead of $5,899,793.
For some players, the difference between meeting the starter criteria and not quite getting there can make a significant difference in how their free agency plays out, as it did a year ago for Kris Dunn. When he met the starter criteria, Dunn ensured his qualifying offer was worth $7.09MM instead of $4.64MM — the Bulls subsequently declined to tender that QO, making him an unrestricted free agent, a move the team may not have made if the financial commitment was smaller.
In Collins’ case, the value of his qualifying offer is almost irrelevant, as he’ll certainly be able to sign a far more lucrative long-term contract than the one-year, $7.7MM QO. Barring a very surprising development, his qualifying offer will essentially be a placeholder.
Six 2021 RFAs – Collins, Jarrett Allen, Lonzo Ball, Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, and Devonte’ Graham – have now met the starter criteria. Once he returns from his shoulder injury, Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is the best candidate to get there next, as he needs just five more starts.
Hopefully Collins ends up on a team with an actual plan… If Trae’s mindset is to be the player of the game every single game, score 30 points as if he doesn’t have help? What he should do is what it takes to get wins for his team. This revelation says alot about hawks management, the coach and their lack of a plan entirely which is indeed a telling tale.
How much would Celtics owners pay luxury tax next year?
If acquiring Collins and don’t pay tax
They would likely lose two of Smart, TT and Daniel Theis
Daniel Theis
$5 million salary delivers $15 million in value because he does all of the little things
Not sure if John Collins is a player that you can finish above .500 with if he is a top 2 option on your squad.
If everyone is fully healthy, these duo would live in nba basement
Westbrook and Beal
Zion and Ingram
Towns and Russell
With super talents like Ball, Adams, Beasley and Edwards as supporting casts
I think Collins can do more Trae gets in his way IMO
Collins has shown big upside. And Tre running team has definitely affected him. I agree Hawks have to be more assertive here on what kind of team they want. I thought Capela was a great mix with Collins. Isn’t that why they got him. Then drafting Okongwu is like saying (just in case Collins leaves). I mean I still like this pick. But they can move Collins for value and be ok with Capela n Okongwu. Might be best for both sides if he’s traded. He’s a solid 4 and can thrive with a passing PG. (Luka)