In his latest rumor-packed article for Bleacher Report, Jake Fischer echoes a Marc Stein report from Friday, writing that John Collins is viewed as increasingly likely to return to the Hawks despite anticipated interest from the Mavericks and Spurs, among others.
Collins’ new deal may exceed $120MM in total value, Fischer notes, though it’s not clear if that’d be for four years or five. Collins’ projected maximum with Atlanta is about $126MM over four years (or $163MM over five), whereas his max with a new team would be approximately $121MM over four years.
Here are a few other rumors on 2021 free agents, including several more updates from Fischer:
- With the Pelicans, Mavericks, and Heat all expected to make a strong push for Kyle Lowry, the point’s guard ultimate landing spot could come down to which team includes the most guaranteed money in the third year of its offer, says Fischer.
- The Raptors, Pelicans, Thunder, and Spurs are among the teams known to have interest in big man Zach Collins, sources tell Fischer. Collins isn’t getting a qualifying offer from Portland, so he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
- The Nets may be the leading candidates to sign free agent sharpshooter Bryn Forbes, according to Fischer, who also names the Bulls, Cavaliers, Mavericks, and Pelicans as teams to watch.
- Mark Murphy of The Boston Herald (Twitter link) hears that the Celtics have a list of about seven or eight top free agent targets, including veteran Spurs guard Patty Mills.
- Otto Porter‘s representatives have been targeting a mid-level type contract for their client, but that’s probably a long shot unless a front office bids against itself, says J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star (Twitter links). The veteran forward is coming off a four-year, $106MM+ deal.
- The Nuggets are expected to add a backup center in free agency, according to Mike Singer of The Denver Post, who tweets that a new deal with JaVale McGee is one possibility to address that spot.
Reporters suggestion
Mavs offer 3 years $75 million to Lowry
I’d offer 3 years $85 million SNT
Trade Powell, WCS, Brunson and a top 5 protected first for Lowry
Seems a lot for a sign and trade. Not sure Mavs would or should do that.
I’m glad you’re not a GM
I’d give up Powell and Green but keep Brunson and a pick
Everything is coming up Hawks… yall have 2 choices at this point, start respecting/fearing the Hawks or continue being wrong
JaVale has really carved out an underrated career. Very definition of a glue guy and at the 5 point that’s pretty impressive. Stat sheets may be lack luster but anyone who’s watched him play can see his impact. Denver would have gone to the finals IMO if the basketball gods weren’t mad at Gordon escaping Orlando. Nuggets absolutely should resign him.