How This Trade Impacts Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks want to shake things up and John Collins sounds like he is going to be on the move. It is being reported that the No. 4 overall pick isn’t being involved in trade talks, so the Hawks take a different route.
In this scenario, Atlanta is saving a ton of long-term cap space by moving Collins. He has four years remaining on his contract, opening up some future cap space. With Trae Young’s max extension kicking in this upcoming season and a new deal for De’Andre Hunter coming soon, the salary cap sheet is a little cleaner.
Harrison Barnes and Maurice Harkless are both on expiring deals, so they will have future flexibility. Both of them also are good fits around Young, who is as ball-dominant as any player in the NBA.
Both players offer some versatility with the ability to play either forward spot. Barnes is an excellent spot-up shooter, which is what the Hawks need as much as possible of around Young.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks Have Discussed Trade Involving John Collins
Atlanta is adding two draft picks in this trade as well; the No. 37 overall pick in this year’s draft and a future first-round pick that is lottery protected. That gives the Hawks two more assets to include in another trade as a sweetener. They would also have some maneuverability to make a move in this year’s draft as they also own the No. 16 and 44 overall selections.
