Trail Blazers Reportedly Make Decision On Zach Collins
The Portland Trail Blazers have already had a hectic offseason between hiring a new head coach and navigating rumors about a potential Damian Lillard departure. However, the organization’s summer will really ramp up this week, once free agency begins.
On Sunday, the Trail Blazers made the first of what’s expected to be a few moves this offseason to improve their roster and entice Lillard to remain in Portland long term.
According to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Blazers will not extend the $7 million qualifying offer to former first-round pick Zach Collins. The power forward/center, who’s struggled to stay healthy since coming into the league, will head into free agency and try to change the trajectory of his career.
Collins missed the entirety of the 2020-21 season after he suffered a medial malleolus stress fracture in his left foot. He reportedly re-fractured his foot and underwent another surgery in late June.
Portland isn't extending the $7M qualifying offer to Zach Collins, officially making him a free agent, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 1, 2021
The fracture marked just the latest frustrating injury for Collins since he came into the league with the Trail Blazers in the 2017 NBA Draft. He also played in just 11 games during the 2019-20 season after suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Collins played in 154 games and made 11 starts for Portland, averaging just 17.5 minutes per appearance. In his short career, the former No. 10 overall pick has averaged 5.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 44.4 percent shooting.
At just 23 years old, Collins will likely get some interest on the open market, provided that he shows he can stay healthy. However, he’ll leave behind a void in the Portland frontcourt that will need to get addressed in free agency or through a trade. The Blazers have struggled to get consistent production from their bigs over the last few seasons, making the area a point of emphasis to address this offseason.
Meanwhile leadership in Portland will be acutely aware of the ongoing situation with Lillard. The franchise’s star point guard has maintained that he wants to stay with the Trail Blazers, but only if the team shows a commitment to improving the roster.
We’ll see if the Portland front office honors Lillard’s wishes starting this week.
The post Trail Blazers Reportedly Make Decision On Zach Collins appeared first on The Spun.
