Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Eric Bledsoe, 2022 First-Round Pick (7th Pick – POR), 2024 First-Round Pick (Swap – POR)

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C John Collins, 2022 First-Round Pick (16th Pick – ATL)

This feels like the most obvious version of a deal between these sides, but it’s still worth some exploration.

If the Hawks are trading Collins, it would be sensible to seek a lottery pick in return. This deal achieves that end. At the same time, on face value, flipping Collins for Bledsoe to merely move up 9 spots in the draft feels like a poor use of resources.

Meanwhile, the Blazers can’t outright trade that pick and Bledsoe’s contract for Collins. The Stepien rule requires them to receive a first-round pick back. They don’t have a selection in 2023, and they can’t go two years in a row without one.

Adding a 2024 pick-swap makes for a fairer value. The Hawks are now being appropriately compensated for Collins. With that said, they’re not exactly a rebuilding team.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Portland Trail Blazers Could Trade For Atlanta Hawks Star John Collins?

They may prefer to receive a quality player along with improving their draft stock. If that’s the case, the next deal might suit them better.