Grading the John Collins trade for the Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz

Grading the Atlanta Hawks

Sent Out: John Collins

Received: Rudy Gay, future second-round pick

Last season, long-time NBA veteran Rudy Gay spent most of his time on the Utah Jazz bench, averaging 5.2 points per game in fewer than 15 minutes per contest. In other words, this is less about what the 36-year-old can do for Atlanta on the court and more about getting rid of John Collins’ contract.

In that sense, this trade was a success for Atlanta. Collins’ three years and $78 million left on the books? Gone. The deal also helped generate a $25.3 million trade exception, which could come in handy if the team looks to add a third star.

Gay isn’t without expenses, though. While certainly less than what Collins would’ve been owed, Gay still opted into the last year of his deal upon the trade, which will pay him $6.4 million in 2023-24. Entering free agency, Gay’s cap hold ranks seventh on the Hawks roster, according to Spotrac, suggesting he should be more of a rotational player than he’ll likely be in his age-37 season.

But Atlanta, which looked like a legitimate playoff threat a couple of years ago, certainly got much worse on the court in the immediate future with this trade, all in the name of financials.

It’s also very valid to wonder why Atlanta couldn’t get more for Collins than a late-stage veteran and a second-rounder for the road. While Collins isn’t a superstar, he is entering his age-26 season as a five-year full-time starter who once averaged a double-double. For his career, he’s averaging 15.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

If the Hawks use their newfound cap space for good, this discussion can be different. But the returns for Atlanta are disappointing.

Grade: C