Freeman, a top 10 pick in 2013, raised eyebrows on Tuesday when he requested to be traded away from the Magpies despite having not played a senior game due to a chronic hamstring injury.

Connors understood why Collingwood and their supporters have reacted negatively to the news after the club invested so much time and effort into getting Freeman's body right, but he stressed there were other reasons behind the 20-year-old's desire to join another club.

"Initially there was a discussion (with Collingwood) and the (contract) offer we thought was unreasonable," Connors told SEN on Thursday.

"That made him feel he just wanted to have a think about his position and whether he saw a long-term future for himself.

"(Coach) Nathan (Buckley) and Collingwood were adamant he had a future at Collingwood.

"He hasn't played for two years so he's frustrated and that's what's brought it on.

"They don't often leave for money ... they leave sometimes when they're injured and think opportunities are better elsewhere."

Connors explained a major reason for Freeman's exit from the Holden Centre was the competition for spots in Collingwood's midfield.

"He wants to play footy, and don't forget Collingwood have got (Adam) Treloar, they've got (Jack) Crisp, they've got (Levi) Greenwood, they're not even chasing (James) Aish because they think they're probably OK," Connors said.

"It's not as simple as (saying) it's about money.

"It's not how I do business over a long period of time and it's not how Nathan Freeman conducts himself."

Despite admitting Freeman still had some work to do before regaining full fitness, Connors was confident a deal could be done for the highly-rated youngster.

"I haven't heard of a 10-year hamstring (injury) but it has been a two-year hamstring which needs some work to go, too," Connors said.

"He's down and he wants to start playing footy because it's what he thinks he's there for so hopefully he can get back on track."