Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty ImagesJohn Collins is currently a restricted-free agent, but he hopes to build a title contender for Atlanta.Collins said that he feels like he has voiced his opinion on a lot of things, saying, "That I want to stay here." "... While we will have to make a decision soon, I hope to be able to stay here.Collins might want the free-agency process moving quickly but he doesn’t necessarily have the power.The Hawks might allow him to go on the open market, and then match any offer from another team. Because teams are afraid of losing their cap space for days, the restricted free-agent market can have a cooling impact. They wait to see if an incumbent franchise matches the offer.Clint Capela, his teammate, is on a contract below the market due to the Houston Rockets doing the same thing in restricted free agency. Four weeks into their free-agency period, they agreed to a contract.Collins is a productive big who shoots 40% from three and can block shots, but isn’t an impactful defender. Capela's arrival in Atlanta raised questions about his future. Trade rumors also emerged before the March 25 deadline.This may have all changed with the Hawks' unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals.Collins' scoring average dropped during the playoffs but the Hawks came up with a solution. After Nate McMillan was installed as interim coach, they played.700 basketball before the playoffs.It is possible, but not likely, for the Hawks to make every effort to win it back with the same group in 2021-22.
