Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Aaron Gordon, 2029 First-Round Pick (DEN)
Denver Nuggets Receive: F/C John Collins
If the Atlanta Hawks have been shopping Collins, it may be because they’d like to clear his salary. After all, Collins is a good player, but his $23.5 million annual price tag is substantial.
With that in mind, this may not be the optimal deal for Collins. Gordon only makes about four million less per season than Collins. With that said, that minimal difference could end up being significant. Gordon is on a more tradeable contract. Furthermore, he might be better for Atlanta on a short-term basis.
Collins, to be sure, is the better offensive player and that could be of appeal to the Denver Nuggets. With that said, the Hawks fielded a strong offense last year. Their defense, on the other hand, was pretty dreadful at 26th in the NBA.
Gordon will be more helpful in that regard. Granted, the Hawks already made strides to improve their point preventing by acquiring Dejounte Murray this summer. This Denver Nuggets deal would only help.
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On the other hand, Murray also boosts the offense (in theory), and one of the worst defenses in the NBA could probably use more than one upgrade.
As for the Denver Nuggets, they’ll be looking to contend in 2022-23. Their logic here is simpler: they’re landing the best player in the trade.
