Atlanta Hawks Receive: C Thomas Bryant, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2023 First-Round Pick (MIN), 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – WAS)
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F John Collins
Washington Wizards Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Once again, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards enlist a third team to enable to send D’Angelo Russell to D.C. in exchange for a new starting power forward.
This time, it’s John Collins. The athletic combo big has been the subject of trade rumors for too long. It feels like the Hawks would prefer to shed his salary to eventually make room for a co-star for Trae Young. This deal helps them get to that goal.
Granted, it’s not perfect for them. Landing Thomas Bryant is arguably more of an inconvenience for the Hawks than a benefit. They already have Clint Capela and Onyeka Onkongwu to find time for in the rotation.
It’s still worth their while. Flipping Collins for two first-round picks, even if one is protected, is a huge win if they’ve cooled on Collins. Meanwhile, the Wolves should be happy to grab him. He may be underqualified as the Hawks’ number two, but he’ll surely be an appropriate third banana behind Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers, Pistons, Wizards Potential Collin Sexton Landing Spots
If everything clicks, that trio could land the Wolves in a place they haven’t been in a long time: past the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
