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The Portland Trail Blazers will not make a qualifying offer to free forward Zach Collins, making him an unrestricted free agent this next offseason. The move effectively severed ties between Portland and the player they picked 10th in the 2017 NBA Draft. Collins will now be free to negotiate a deal with any NBA team, including the Blazers.
The pending restricted free agent spoke to Jason Quick of The Athletic [subscription required] detailing the disappointment of his third foot surgery on June 29 and his ambition to recover well from his body and another NBA contract in August.
Collins’ disastrous two-year period was hit hard when he was told he had fractured his left foot again and would need surgery.
Collins admitted to Quick that after playing just 11 games in the past two seasons, he knew the deals might not be as lucrative as he had originally hoped.
“Obviously, the fact that I’m a free agent makes it difficult,” said Collins. “But I’m less concerned with what kind of contract I’m going to get, or how many years it’s going to be, or who I’m going to play for… I’m more focused on that rehab and that right ankle.”
He spoke about when he was informed of the new fracture.
“I just sat there in silence,” Collins said. “I put my head in my hands. I didn’t cry or anything, and I didn’t throw anything, even though I thought I was going to. I’m just sitting there. I was very sad and upset and uncertain about my future in the NBA. I sat there for about half an hour and thought about it.
Quick highlights Collins’ optimism about a new contract. The forward has not given up on the Trail Blazers.
“I love Portland,” Collins said. “I’ve always said I love Portland and it would be great to come back and show what I can do.”
Collins’ agent Mark Bartlestein echoed the belief that he would return to the NBA next season thanks to his unique skills. But he also acknowledged the Blazers’ current ceiling situation and the potential constraints in bringing Collins back.
“There’s no question he’s going to make a deal; he’s an incredible talent, ”Bartelstein said. “NBA teams are looking for guys who can protect the rim, rock everything in defense and do 3. Zach really is a unicorn.
“Neil and I talk all the time and we’ll do what we always do – sit down and talk and see if something makes sense,” Bartelstein said. “But they are in a difficult situation. They are against the luxury tax, and there is a sense of urgency to be gained now… so there is a lot to balance. But I do know that Neil believes deeply in Zach. They know it’s going to be good.
The Blazers traded two first-round picks to the Sacramento Kings to move up and select Collins in 2017.
The 23-year-old forward / center averages 5.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game, appearing in 154 regular season games and 20 playoff games for the Blazers during his career as three years.
Athletic subscribers can read the full story here.
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