How This Trade Impacts Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have spent the last few seasons stockpiling as many draft picks as they could. That has left them with two foundational pieces in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
Eventually, Sam Presti will have to turn that draft capital into something that can produce on the court. There is no way for the Thunder to keep all of those picks, so flipping some for established players would make sense.
In this deal with the Hawks, they are accelerating their rebuild but retaining some of their flexibility and assets. John Collins fits their rebuild as well, as he will be only 25-years old when the 2022-23 regular season begins.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hawks-Mavericks Trade Features John Collins To Dallas
The Wake Forest product is a borderline All-Star and would be an excellent addition to the Thunder as a frontcourt running mate for SGA and Giddey.
Collins is worth the price they are paying as he isn’t close to his ceiling, as there is likely another level to be reached offensively without a ball-dominant player like Trae Young controlling the offense.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hawks-Mavericks Trade Features John Collins To Dallas
A two-way player with the versatility to play power forward or center, the Thunder would almost be buying low on John Collins at this price. A team that loves a bargain, this feels like one for Oklahoma City to make.
