The NBA is in a state of discontent right now. Supposed contenders are struggling, supposed stars are questioning their surroundings, and, most peculiarly, a number of power forwards around the league don’t seem to be copacetic with their teams.
Jae Crowder hasn’t played a game yet this season for the Phoenix Suns, Christian Wood needed multiple injuries ahead of him to crack the starting lineup for the Dallas Mavericks, Julius Randle is overpaid in New York even though he is a key part of their offensive attack, and Miles Bridges is, well, not playing an NBA game anytime soon.
Two other power forwards are in precarious positions and have recently been linked to each other in trade rumors. John Collins is being asked to be a 3-and-D forward for the Atlanta Hawks when his skillset runs in different ways, while Kyle Kuzma is having a great year for the Washington Wizards and wants out of town
The Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks are shopping their offensive-minded power forwards. Could a trade with each other work for both sides?
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Hawks and Wizards have discussed a Kuzma-for-Collins swap, an interesting challenge trade. The Hawks would gain Kuzma, a player who could opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer, and would get off the long-term contract of Collins. The Wizards would add a productive player under contract for a few years, allowing them to stay competitive.
Does this trade work? Let’s grade the trade from both sides and see if this works to alleviate some discontentment in the Southeast Division.