Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, F Doug McDermott, G Sharife Cooper
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Gordon Hayward, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 13 – CHA)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F John Collins
Here, the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs enlist the Charlotte Hornets so that each side can avoid sending out draft capital.
The acquisition of Jakob Poeltl should be worth the 13th pick for the Charlotte Hornets. They desperately need a big man. Poeltl is a strong rim protector who can also defend in space. He’ll instantly fulfill most of this team’s needs.
Meanwhile, the Hawks’ interest here is likely contingent on how they feel about Hayward. If they think he’ll be a short-term upgrade over Collins, they’ll pounce on this deal. Even if they don’t, his contract runs half as long as Collins’. This deal still helps them accomplish the goal of cleaning up their books.
They also add a first-round pick in the process. If they’re ready to move on from Collins, they’re getting a solid return from this trade.
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One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The Hawks may feel they’ve hit a ceiling with Collins’ development. If the Spurs think they can take his game to another level, this deal benefits each party involved.
