How This Deal Impacts Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have to shake things up after how this season went. They already parted ways with Cam Reddish, who is extension eligible this offseason himself. This is a team that needs to add some more defense and help take pressure off of Trae Young offensively.
Gordon Hayward is someone that would be an excellent fit for what the Hawks need. He is a more than capable playmaker as he can operate as a secondary ball-handler to keep the offense moving and defenses honest.
His health is the biggest hurdle to overcome, but his skill set would be perfect in Atlanta. Hayward is an excellent 3-point shooter, good rebounder, and solid defender. He is an ideal replacement for Kevin Huerter in the lineup, who is heading to Charlotte in this deal.
Also heading to Charlotte is John Collins, who would be replaced by P.J. Washington in the lineup. In 146 career starts, Washington has averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, one steal, and one block per game, while knocking down 37.3 percent of his 3-point attempts.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Targets For Charlotte Hornets To Pursue With Gordon Hayward Trade
Washington would offer a lot of the same impact as Collins but at a fraction of the price. He is eligible for a rookie extension this offseason but would assuredly sign for less than the $125 million that Collins secured last offseason.
Atlanta is also getting a first-round pick in this hypothetical deal, No. 15 in the 2022 NBA Draft, via the New Orleans Pelicans. Clearing as much long-term cap space as they are, it could be difficult convincing the Hornets to part ways with a first-round pick. But, Charlotte is moving on from Hayward and getting the best player in the deal in Collins.
