John Collins traded to Utah Jazz
John Collins is finally finding a new home. The Utah Jazz is acquiring the high-flying power forward. In exchange, the Atlanta Hawks will receive a package including Rudy Gay and a future second round pick. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to break the news Monday.
ESPN Sources: The Hawks are finalizing a trade to send F/C John Collins to the Jazz for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. Atlanta’s largely unloading Collins’ three years, $78M for some roster building flexibility and alignment with looming changes to salary cap. pic.twitter.com/CpAfTNXKMq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023
For years, the former Wake Forest forward has been the subject of trade rumors. Now, Atlanta pulled the trigger and got back a pretty useful bench player in Gay. It could be a very nice gamble for Danny Ainge and the Jazz if all goes to plan.
Let’s not forget that Collins once averaged 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game during the COVID-shortened 2019-2020 season. Those averages also came with a 40% shooting clip from deep.
At face value, the deal looks like a win-win for both sides. The Jazz front court will now look quite interesting for 2023-2024. Collins will join the likes of All-Star Lauri Markkanen and All-Rookie pick Walker Kessler on the front lines. Don’t be shocked that the odd man out who comes off the bench has a shot at winning Sixth Man of the Year next season.
The Jazz need some more help on the wings, but they could have a shot of at least making the play-in game for 2024.
Collins, however, has a sizeable contract. He is owed $78 million over the next three seasons, which is probably why Atlanta pulled the trigger here. With the Jazz still rebuilding, and the Hawks looking to get the most out of the Trae Young era, there is a clear fit between trading partners.
Woj also noted that the two teams have discussed “numerous iterations” of this trade for over a year.
General manager Landry Fields now has to take this newfound cap space and make it work. The Hawks went out with a whimper in the first round of the playoffs against the Celtics. There clearly is talent on the roster, but maybe not the right pieces to the puzzle.
Trae Young’s future might become more murky. The jury is still out on their trade for Dejounte Murray. Getting out of Collins’ contract will allow them to target upgrades either via free agency or the trade market. A funny wrinkle in the deal is that the Jazz did business with a team that featured their longtime head coach Quin Snyder. He now has a tall task ahead in managing what will be a very different-looking roster.
The rumors of John Collins have now turned into reality. One of the original wingmen for Trae Young will now form an intriguing frontcourt for the Utah Jazz.
