Atlanta Hawks
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C John Collins, F De’Andre Hunter, C Onyeka Onkongwu, F Jalen Johnson, 2023 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Kevin Durant
The Brooklyn Nets are operating from a unique vantage point. Having traded control of their draft to the Houston Rockets through to 2027, they aren’t in a position to take advantage of traditional team-building practices.
Of course, one could use those conditions to make one of two arguments. You could make the case that the Nets should aim to restock at all costs with such a dearth of draft capital.
On the other hand, you could argue that, since they’re not building through the draft anyway, they shouldn’t prioritize it.
This package has the Brooklyn Nets using the latter logic. They’re receiving a modest pair of first-round picks and a swap from the Atlanta Hawks. At the same time, they’re receiving plenty of young players with proven NBA production.
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Some will say this package is highlighted by John Collins. The 24-year-old has already given the Hawks fringe star production.
Yet, others will claim that Onyeka Onkongu is the centerpiece here. At 21, he already has a case as the best center on an Atlanta Hawks roster featuring Clint Capela.
At the same time, you could make the case that the 24-year-old Deandre Hunter’s 3-and-D skillset projects as the most valuable moving forward. Whichever player you prefer, this is a strong package of young players (with some draft picks to spare) that the Nets would have to entertain.
