The Atlanta Hawks and restricted free agent John Collins have agreed to a five-year, $125 million deal to remain in Atlanta, according to ESPN.
The deal will include a fifth-year player option as well.
Before the season, the Hawks had offered Collins a four-year, $90 million contract extension which he quickly turned down. Instead, he played through the final year of his rookie contract in hopes of increasing his market value and testing free agency in the summer.
That seemed to work out for him, especially when he proved to have such an integral role in Atlanta’s playoff run that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals against the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks.
As the season progressed, he did what was needed for the Hawks to win games, making him an even bigger asset in Atlanta.
Collins averaged 17.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game last season for the Hawks. He also shot 55.6% from the field, including 39.9% from three-point range.
Collins, 23, is the only player over the past two NBA seasons to average 18-plus points per game on 50% shooting from the field, 40% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line, according to StatMuse.
In the playoffs, Collins saw a dip in offensive production due to the task of having to guard Julius Randle, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo at times for Atlanta.
His friend and teammate, Trae Young, also signed a lucrative deal as he agreed to a five-year, $207 million max contract extension with the Hawks on Tuesday.
Atlanta has now locked up two of their core franchise pieces for an extended period as they continue to make strides in becoming a championship contender.
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