Boston Celtics Receive: F John Collins

Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Marcus Smart, G Josh Richardson, 2022 First-Round Pick

It was a bit of a shock to see the Atlanta Hawks put John Collins on the trading block. They did not want to move him last year and signed him to a five-year, $125 million deal in free agency. The two sides are just half a year through the contract and it might be coming to an end already.

If this is the case, the Celtics should not waste time. Boston has assets they would be able to move while keeping Collins next to Tatum and Brown.

The goal is to build a big three and this is what Boston needs if they want to compete in the Eastern Conference. Marcus Smart, who signed a four-year extension in the offseason, would lead the return. The Celtics would also part ways with Josh Richardson and a first-round pick.

Richardson is in the final year of a four-year deal he signed with the Miami Heat. Since then, he has been moved frequently and there could be one more move left. He is an easy piece to part ways with because of his contract situation.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: REPORT: Boston Celtics Eyeing Trade For Pacers’ Justin Holiday

The Hawks should be interested in an expiring player in order to fix their own situation. Atlanta is well over the cap and this does not include the monster deal that Young signed in the offseason.

Let’s take a closer look and see how this trade would benefit both sides right away.