Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – WAS)
Washington Wizards Receive: F/C John Collins
The Washington Wizards are stuck in a rut. Many observers would have them rebuild by trading Bradley Beal ahead of 2022-23. There’s a strong argument to be made that it would be a smart decision.
What if they made a marginal upgrade instead?
John Collins and Kyle Kuzma are fairly similar players. Collins just happens to be a little better. His superior athleticism and slightly more reliable floor spacing allow him to be more impactful. If the Wizards hope to be competitive next season, this deal improves their odds.
Meanwhile, the Hawks do this deal to clear cap space and gain draft capital. Kyle Kuzma makes roughly $10 million a season less than Collins, and his contract runs half as long.
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The pick they’re receiving here is lottery protected. The Washington Wizards aren’t upgrading enough to risk putting any lower protections on their 2025 selection. Still, if this trade works out in their favor, the pick will convey. That would make it a win-win deal.
