TRADE RUMOR: $125 Million Star Was on Celtics? Radar Days After NBA Finals Loss to Stephen Curry and Warriors

The Boston Celtics enjoyed an excellent season, putting on one of the most unpredictable displays in recent NBA history. The Celtics had a terrible start to the season and were out of the playoff picture during the first few games. But then something changed for the Celtics. Ime Uduka introduced a new lease of life in the locker room by forcing his players to become a pack of hounds firing on all cylinders.

Their lethal offensive firepower, allied with their tenacious defense, catapulted them to the NBA Finals. The Golden State Warriors’ fluid offense, however, proved too much for the Celtics, who were eliminated in six games. The Celtics will now have to return to the drawing board. Rather than completely overhauling the roster, a few additions are expected in the offseason.

With that being said, there are a few targets for the C’s that would be a step in the right direction. One of the names that have surfaced as a target recently is John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks. At 24, the power forward has already established himself as one of the best all-around players in his position.

John Collins – An all-around threat

John Collins has made the Hawks more flexible and dynamic on both ends of the floor. His improved ability to defend the basket and lock down smaller players on the perimeter makes him a competent defender. But it’s on the offensive end, where his skills truly stand out.

The Utah native is freakishly athletic, therefore, can finish with tremendous strength and can play through contact at the rim. Collins is an excellent lob man off of the pick-and-roll. He can also consistently knock down the rock from beyond the arc, given he is a career 37.6 percent 3-point shooter.

He is a persistent off-ball worker and can put up big numbers without demanding the ball. The power forward will fit right in with the Boston Celtics’ game plan. Collins’ ability to put up huge numbers without demanding the ball will allow him and the Tatum-Brown tandem to maximize one another on the offensive end.

What do the Boston Celtics have to give up to land John Collins?

In his five years in the league, John Collins has made quite an impression. However, with Trae Young leading the charge in Atlanta and putting up monster numbers, his performances have mostly gone unnoticed. With the Celtics though, Collins can scratch the surface of his tremendous potential.

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The question is what the Boston Celtics will have to give up in order to land the dynamic power forward. Collins put pen to a five-year, $125 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks last August. The Hawks will also expect good value in return for their player.

The franchise will be mesmerized by the idea of pairing Jaylen Brown with Trae Young. However, it is extremely improbable since the Celtics’ front office would not want to break up the tandem of Jayson Tatum and Brown that propelled them to the NBA Finals.

Perhaps a package centered around Marcus Smart will suffice. It will, however, rob the Celtics of a long-term player and shatter their nucleus.

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The Hawks may complement their quality players by bringing in the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. However, letting Smart go would represent a radical shift in how the Celtics function. The Celtics, though,?might?remain on the back foot for the time being.

What do you think the Celtics should give up to get John Collins? Let us know in the comments section below.