Some of the young players I'd love to acquire that could possibly end up better than John Collins if you squint your eyes really hard. At age 25, most players are what they are, so these are the players you can still dream on.
Malik Monk: Last 12 games: 27.0 mpg, .452/.474/.864, 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists. Will always be poor and limited on D due to measurements, gets about as many steals and blocks as Semi. He can score though and just 23 this month.
Lauri Markkanen: Huge size, currently injured. He's a very unique player offensively and would fit in great on that side of the court along the Jays. Flawed defensively and lacks strength. Will struggle to be even average on D.
Lonzo Ball: I'd give him the best chance. The sample size from 3 over the last 2 years is looking more and more like the true Lonzo and he's also made strides at the FT line (though it's all small sample sizes) and getting to the line more. He has good size and is a very well rounded player. Fits a lot of what the C's need. The only thing that stops him from being a perfect fit is if both Jays are on the bench. He can't carry an offense like Collins.
Are there others that are actually available?
Collins is currently way better than the other 3. I'm being very generous with youth. Thing is, Collins is just as young as these 3, so he could continue to improve as well.
I could see the argument that Collins will cost about as much yearly as Ball + Monk or Lauri + Monk. Maybe going 2 instead of 1 would be wise, but I don't see the C's getting a better player at a cheaper cost than Collins assuming the asking cost was just PP, Carsen and 2 or 3 last 1st round picks.