GAME 16: DEN (10-6) @ DAL (9-7) | 97-98 loss (Kidd still tanking for Victor)

[omahen]

Given how Atlanta uses (or misuses) Collins and how much he makes, it seems like a Wood based deal might have been the target.

Wood is basically same player as Collins so I don't see much value for Atlanta, other than getting out of Collins salary. But I don't think that is their goal. They would want to get better. One thing Atlanta could use is a good two way wing. Someone like Durant  If Atlanta coveted Wood that much, they could have easily traded for him using Collins. I am fairly certain their eyes are set to way higher goals with Collins.

Collins plays almost exclusively at PF

Collins main weapon is PnR and his odd fit in Atlanta comes from a fact that he is playing next to a center that can do just one thing - PnR. So, something that basically wouldn't make sense in Dallas either. 

Flipping Wood idea seems strange as his trade value is not high. Anyone that covet Wood that much, could have easily traded for him. The one value he does bring is that he is an expiring contract. But Mavs don't really have the assets for the big move before summer. Also, even before Wood, Mavs had like 30 mil of expiring salary in Powell, Bullock and guys that were traded for Wood (plus the pick). So Wood doesn't really improve that situation much. 

I think the only thing that really makes sense is - lets take a flyer on him. If he works, great. If not, we use his expiring for something else or just let him walk to save some money.