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

Grading the Utah Jazz

Sent Out: Rudy Gay, future second-round draft pick

Received: John Collins

It’s unclear how Collins will fit with the Jazz, considering the plethora of talented big men already on the roster. But to acquire a young starting-level player for peanuts is almost always worth it, so long as it can be afforded.

Collins joins a group of big men that already include first-time All-Star Lauri Markkanen, reigning rookie stud Walker Kessler, and veteran big man Kelly Olynyk. Collins seems like he would fit well with what Will Hardy liked to do last season, however, with the ability to spread out and be more ball-dominant than he could’ve been in a Trae Young offense.

His athleticism should also make his switchability on defense a major asset. The Jazz could employ a rare lineup of mainly big men while still being able to maintain a certain degree of defensive principles if they need Collins to go up against a quicker player.

Even though the most recent season was one of the worst of Collins’ career, it wasn’t atrocious by any means. He still managed to average 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He needs to get better as a three-point shooter, but that kind of production from a third or fourth option is solid for a team in the midst of a quicker-than-expected rebuild.

In all likelihood, Collins would slot in between Kessler and Markkanen in the starting lineup, allowing the Finnish star to move down to the 3. Kelly Olynyk can either be a top big man off the bench or an opportunistic trade asset.

Taking a flyer on John Collins could’ve been a wise decision for any number of teams. Doing so without sacrificing the rebuild – or without giving up much of anything – makes this a big win for the Jazz.

Grade: A-