Myles Turner, John Collins Linked to Missiles

At 11-38, the Houston Rockets have the worst record in the NBA. They are well on their way to securing first place in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes and owning the most ping pong balls at NBA Draft Lottery Night.

Despite this, the Rockets have emerged as a team to face the trade deadline in less than two weeks. Houston has veteran Eric Gordon they’re shopping for, but they could be surprise buyers.

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets are one of the teams that have contacted the Atlanta Hawks about John Collins. While nothing has reached a serious stage, there has been communication between the teams.

The Atlanta Hawks have been eyeing John Collins for some time — according to our Shams Charania — and gauging league interest in potential packages for the 25-year-old, talks with the Houston Rockets, league sources told The Athletic, later confirmed by team sources . The sources were given anonymity to speak freely about the matter. There’s nothing concrete from the Rockets — just ideas brought to Houston by the Hawks among other teams — but the interest is real.

Collins, just 25 years old, would fit the timeline the Rockets are currently on. In the second season of a five-year, $125 million contract, Houston could see Collins as a long-term piece for their frontcourt and bring much-needed experience to the roster.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, John Collins, Atlanta Hawks & Houston Rockets Updates

If this is seen as a paycheck by Atlanta, it makes sense for the Rockets, as Collins would be an upgrade in the power forward position. However, the Rockets should not be involved in trade negotiations that would require them to hand over significant assets.

Therefore, they probably aren’t serious suitors for Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. There is interest in the former Longhorn and Texas resident, but it would likely enter free service and not a bidding war before the deadline. Iko also shared the update on Turner.

The potential of free agency mentioned above applies to another front court option that could be in the market, Myles Turner. The loss of Tyrese Halliburton and his contribution at the All-Star level has left the 24-26 Indiana Pacers reeling, losing eight of their last 10 games and barely holding on to a Play-In Tournament spot. If their decline continues, it’s not inconceivable to think that Indiana could look to trade Turner and fully commit to rebuilding – especially with Turner’s impending free service on the horizon. Houston has an interest in the 26-year-old center from Bedford, Texas, but would be hesitant to trade for a high-demand player who could now command a significant return on assets, especially if they could wait until there is a free agency to sue .

Turner is in the midst of a career pre-free agency season, but his matchup with Houston is remarkable. Alperen Sengun has played well in his first season as a starting player, so it would be odd if the Rockets wanted to add another big man to the mix to shake things up.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, John Collins, Atlanta Hawks & Houston Rockets Updates

Unfortunately, it’s probably a moot point when it comes to Turner. Giving up the type of assets to acquire him probably isn’t in the cards for the Rockets. If made available, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Pacers acquired multiple first-round picks or a combination of picks and young players. That’s not a price Houston can pay.