Trading Places: Analyzing the Hawks’ Surprising Move with John Collins

The Atlanta Hawks have made a significant move in the 2023 NBA free agency period, trading forward/center John Collins to the Utah Jazz in exchange for swingman Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. Multiple reports have confirmed the trade, although it won’t be finalized until July 6 at the earliest.

### Collins’ Declining Performance and Utah’s Frontcourt Strength

John Collins, now entering his seventh NBA season, has seen a decline in his performance since his career-best year in the 2019-20 season, where he averaged 21.6 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game. Last season with the Hawks, Collins averaged 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. The trade to Utah will see him join a frontcourt that includes Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and rookie Taylor Hendricks. Markkanen, who was recently named the Kia Most Improved Player, had an impressive season with the Jazz, averaging 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Kessler, acquired from the Gobert trade, was named to the All-Rookie first team and ranked fourth in the league in blocks per game.

### Utah’s Turnaround and Playoff Hopes

The Utah Jazz made major trades last season, dealing All-Star center Rudy Gobert and guard Donovan Mitchell. Despite this, the team started the season strong, winning 10 of their first 13 games. However, midseason trades and injuries derailed their momentum, and they fell short of making the playoffs and the AT&T Play-In Tournament. With the addition of Collins, the Jazz hope to bolster their frontcourt and improve their performance next season.

### Contract and Trade Exception Implications

Collins signed a five-year, $125 million contract in 2021 and still has two seasons remaining, along with a player option in 2025-26. The trade creates a $25.3 million trade exception, the largest in the NBA, giving the Hawks flexibility in their future transactions. This move also allows Atlanta to explore contract extensions for players like Dejounte Murray, Onyeka Okongwu, and Saddiq Bey. Furthermore, Collins’ departure opens up playing time for Okongwu and promising frontcourt youngsters AJ Griffin and Jalen Johnson.

### Rudy Gay’s Veteran Experience

Rudy Gay, a 17-year NBA veteran, joins the Hawks in this trade. Gay spent the last two seasons with the Jazz as a reserve, but last season, he posted career lows in various statistical categories. Despite his declining performance, Gay adds experience and depth to the Hawks‘ roster. His player option for the upcoming season reportedly facilitated the trade.

### The Hawks‘ Disappointing Performance

The Atlanta Hawks had a disappointing season, finishing with a 41-41 record and exiting the playoffs in the first round for the second consecutive year. Despite their lack of success on the court, the team experienced an increase in attendance, averaging a team-record 17,555 fans per game. However, the Hawks aim to improve and compete for a championship in the upcoming season, as expressed by star player Trae Young.

In conclusion, the trade of John Collins to the Utah Jazz for Rudy Gay and a second-round pick presents an opportunity for both teams to strengthen their rosters. The Jazz hope to bounce back from a disappointing season and build a formidable frontcourt with the addition of Collins, while the Hawks aim to create roster flexibility and provide playing time for their talented young players. As the 2023 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how these roster changes impact each team’s performance on the court.