Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Spencer Dinwiddie, G Tim Hardaway Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (DAL – Top 5 Protected)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F John Collins, G Kevin Huerter
This deal does not improve the Atlanta Hawks’ short-term outlook. Taking a longer view, it could still be worth their while.
The first thing it offers them is financial flexibility. Hardaway Jr. and Dinwiddie are signed to 3 and 2-year deals respectively: Collins and Huerter are both on four-year pacts.
Meanwhile, at $23.4 million a season, Collins’ contract is the most burdensome in terms of length and annual cap hit. This deal puts them in a better position to chase free agents sooner than later.
The Hawks may conclude that adding talent will prove too difficult with Collins’ deal on the books. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks may be thinking of adding talent on a more immediate basis. That feels especially likely if they again fail to make a deep postseason run this season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic’s Status For Mavericks-Jazz Series Remains Unclear
After all, the clock may be ticking on Luka Doncic’s satisfaction with his situation in Dallas. Rumors already surround his long-term status with the team. In this era of player empowerment, players may start seeking trade demands while still in their rookie contracts.
If the Mavericks don’t want to set that precedent, they’ll part with at least a protected first-round pick to pair Doncic with a talent like John Collins.
