Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Hawks Trade John Collins to Jazz
John Collins is finally getting traded.
After two seasons of trade talks involving the 25-year-old forward, the Atlanta Hawks have found a taker, sending Collins to the Utah Jazz for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal allows Atlanta to unload the remaining three years, $78 million on Collin's contract.
It's almost exclusively a cost-saving deal for the Hawks who have been looking for a move to create more financial flexibility. Atlanta had reportedly been interested in Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam but thus far Toronto has been unwilling to part with the 29-year-old. It's unlikely the Collins deal makes a tangible difference in any trade talks with the Raptors.
Collins, 25, is coming off the worst season of his career. He averaged 13.1 points, the second lowest in his six seasons, while averaging 6.5 rebounds and shooting 50.8% from the floor, the worst of his career. His once prolific three-point shot abandoned him as his stroke tumbled to 29.2% from behind the arc.
For Utah, the deal gives the Jazz a low-cost opportunity to take a chance on a once-promising forward. He should slide in alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler in Utah's frontcourt next season, potentially as a bench big.
Atlanta is reportedly expected to continue pursuing trade offers this summer, per Wojnarowski.
Further Reading
Gradey Dick Talks Shot Form, NBA Role Models, Darko Rajaković, & More in Raptors Presser
Kansas Coach Bill Self Shares His Thoughts on Gradey Dick's Fit with the Raptors
