Trade Scenario No. 3

Boston Celtics Receive: F John Collins, F Tony Snell

Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Marcus Smart, F Grant Williams, BOS 2021 1st Round Pick, BOS 2024 1st Round Pick, MEM 2025 2nd Round Pick (via BOS)

Last season, John Collins emerged as one of the better, more versatile power-forwards in the league, eclipsing 20+ points per game and this season, he is continuing to get better, even with the emergence of all the weapons on this year’s Hawks roster. 

Through 22 games, John Collins is averaging 17.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and is shooting 54.9% from the floor, 40.3% from three-point range. With him being as dynamic as he is at such a young age, he could make a huge impact for the Celtics seeing as they have virtually no productivity from their frontcourt. 

Marcus Smart has been a fantastic player for them over the years on both ends of the court, which is why the Hawks would likely want him in any trade package involving John Collins. Smart is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and for the Hawks, a team that currently ranks 13th in opponents points per game (110.6 PPG), they could really benefit and potentially move into the Top-10 in defensive efficiency with Marcus Smart.

As good as he is on the defensive-end of the court, Marcus Smart is also having his best offensive season statistically, but is currently out with a calf injury. He is averaging career-highs in points per game and assists per game and can be a great complimentary guard next to Trae Young in the backcourt. 

Grant Williams is a solid young player in the frontcourt who does not nearly have half the potential that John Collins does, but he does contribute as a two-way player and is a big body in the paint. Trading Collins and Snell for Marcus Smart and Williams is not an upgrade for Atlanta by any means, but getting three draft picks (two first-round picks and a second-round pick) could be very useful to them. 

Atlanta could easily flip these picks around to bring in another big time talent to pair with Trae Young, a better overall talent than John Collins that is. With Danilo Gallinari back from his injury and De’Andre Hunter nearing his return, the Hawks would have plenty of options to replace Collins’ minutes and with draft assets, they could look to be buyers near the trade deadline. 

This may not be the best trade the Hawks could get for a player like John Collins, but it definitely does bring some value and potential to Atlanta.