Top 5 teams who are strong contenders for John Collins trade

NBA teams are lining up for the possibility of a John Collins trade. The Atlanta Hawks forward is expected to be one of the top names available ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. According to league sources, the Hawks have been busy when it comes to fielding phone calls about Collins.

The 25-year-old forward has the tools to be an intriguing addition for rival organizations. He can give a team a serious offensive punch in the frontcourt. He's an athletic forward with the ability to step outside and stretch the floor.

The Atlanta Hawks have struggled to take the next step towards contending in the Eastern Conference. With numerous large salaries on the roster, Atlanta is looking to open up some future cap space.

After finding his name in trade speculation over the years, it appears as this will be the year in which Collins is on the move. Here's a look at the top five teams to watch out for in a John Collins trade.

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Top 5 teams to watch out for a John Collins trade

#5, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in John Collins.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most impressive teams in the league this season. With a young roster that is rapidly on the climb, Cleveland will be aggressive in any opportunity to upgrade their talent.

The Cavaliers have a loaded frontcourt as it is with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Kevin Love. Collins' contract could present some difficult obstacles for the Cavaliers, as he's set to make $25 million in each of the next two seasons. With the Cavaliers looking to make a serious run in the Eastern Conference, all options will be on the table.

#4, New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have expressed interest in John Collins.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the top teams in the Western Conference. New Orleans has built a roster that is rich in talent. When healthy, New Orleans has the tools to be a potential finals contender.

That doesn't mean that the Pelicans won't look for any opportunity to upgrade their roster as well. It's been reported that the Pelicans have had preliminary talks with the Hawks about Collins. It could be just New Orleans doing their homework, but it's clear that New Orleans would be intrigued at the idea of bolstering its roster.

#3, Phoenix Suns

A John Collins trade could be a big swing for the Phoenix Suns.

The Phoenix Suns find themselves in an interesting position ahead of the trade deadline. One of the most talented rosters in the league, the Suns have been dealing with numerous injuries. With Jae Crowder also holding out for a trade, it's resulted in a lack of depth for Phoenix.

If Phoenix wants to take a swing, a John Collins trade could be a sizeable move. The Suns are going to need to get healthy and make a big run in the second half of the season. Adding Collins to the mix could be an addition that pays off big time, especially around the playoffs.

#2, Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards have been connected to a John Collins trade.

The Washington Wizards have often been mentioned as a team that is interested in a John Collins trade. The Wizards have struggled to take the next step forwards toward exiting a rebuild. While the Wizards have a number of intriguing players on their roster, they also have a bit of a logjam.

If the Wizards are intrigued with adding a talent like Collins, they could look to package a couple of players to intrigue the Atlanta Hawks. Washington just moved on from Rui Hachimura in a trade with the LA Lakers. They are also weighing the possibility of extending Kyle Kuzma this summer.

#1, Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz could be the favorites for a John Collins trade.

One of the most popular teams rumored to be interested in a John Collins trade is the Utah Jazz. It was previously reported by Shams Charania that the Jazz are the "team most active in trade talks" for Collins. Utah was expected to be a team that was contending for the top spot in the draft this year.

Instead, the Jazz have been one of the most pleasant surprises around the NBA. After an offseason of trading stars such as Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Utah Jazz are loaded with draft picks. They also have a number of players on their roster that Utah would be willing to move in the right deal.