According to reports from Adrian Wojnarowski and Jake Fischer, the Utah Jazz are acquiring John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Rudy Gay and a second-round pick. While some may view the return as relatively light given Collins’ status as a building block for the Hawks, the trade allows Atlanta to relinquish Collins’ contract, which would have cost them $78 million over the next three seasons. The move reportedly also gives the Hawks a $25.3 million trade exemption, the largest in the NBA, and helps them get below the luxury tax threshold for next season.
ESPN SOURCES: The Hawks are finalizing a deal to send F/C John Collins to the Jazz for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. Atlanta has pretty much offloaded Collins on a three-year, $78 million contract for some roster-building flexibility and adjusting to looming changes in the salary cap. pic.twitter.com/CpAfTNXKMq
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023
Collins’ numbers have been down since the Hawks entered the competition. Last season, he averaged 13.1 points per game, his lowest since his rookie year, along with career-worst percentages of 3-point shooting (29.2%) and rebounds per game (6.5), while playing 30 minutes a game. usual. The Hawks are looking for players who can complement Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, and Collins’ playing style may not fit that mold.
Profit/profit potential
The trade involving John Collins and the Utah Jazz is seen as a beneficial move for both teams. For the Atlanta Hawks, the deal allows them to cancel Collins’ contract and get around the luxury tax floor while offering meaningful flexibility for roster moves and future acquisitions. The $25 million commercial exception earned in the trade is an important asset for the Hawks.
On the other hand, the Utah Jazz see this trade as a low-risk opportunity to revive Collins’ career. Despite his recent struggles in Atlanta, Collins is still a young player with great potential and will only be 26 years old when the season begins. Jazz has the luxury of patience with a wide range of drag selections and plenty of space to work with.
The Jazz front yard will now feature a talented lineup including Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Collins, providing them with size and variety. They can continue to build their team from a long-term perspective while remaining competitive in the short-term.
The Falcons needed this move
In general, the trade is seen as a necessary step for the Hawks to let go of a contract that has become onerous and gain financial flexibility. For the Jazz, it presents an opportunity to unlock Collins’ potential and strengthen their frontcourt.
On the other hand, the Jazz are hopeful that Collins can re-emerge in their system, similar to how Lori Markkanen had a year after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers. Collins has shown the ability to be a versatile player who can rebound, stretch the floor, attack the paint, and contribute on defense. Utah will aim to make a positive impact and potentially raise their game to new heights.