The Atlanta Hawks have traded John Collins to the Utah Jazz in a salary dump, according to a person familiar with the situation. The Hawks will receive Jazz forward Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick in exchange for Collins.
The move allows the Hawks to get below the luxury tax threshold and free up cap space for future moves. Collins is owed $125 million over the next five seasons, a hefty price tag for a player who has not lived up to expectations in Atlanta.
Gay, 35, is a veteran forward who is coming off a season in which he averaged 13.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He is a good fit for the Hawks, as he can provide some scoring and rebounding off the bench.
The trade is a sign that the Hawks are rebuilding. They have traded away several of their top players in recent years, including Collins, De’Andre Hunter, and Cam Reddish. The team is hoping to build around Trae Young, but they will need to add some more talent around him if they want to be competitive in the Eastern Conference.
What the Trade Means for the Hawks
The trade of John Collins is a significant move for the Hawks. It allows them to get below the luxury tax threshold and free up cap space for future moves. This is important for the Hawks, as they are hoping to build around Trae Young.
The Hawks have been unable to consistently compete in the Eastern Conference in recent years. They have made the playoffs three times in the past four seasons, but they have not advanced past the first round. The team is hoping that the trade of Collins will help them to become more competitive in the future.
What the Trade Means for the Jazz
The trade of John Collins is also a significant move for the Jazz. They acquire a young, talented forward who can provide some scoring and rebounding. Collins is a good fit for the Jazz, as they are looking to add some more athleticism and versatility to their roster.
The Jazz are hoping that the trade of Collins will help them to become more competitive in the Western Conference. They have made the playoffs six consecutive seasons, but they have not advanced past the second round. The team is hoping that Collins can help them to take the next step and become a contender.
