How This Trade impacts Atlanta Hawks
Things are going to get very expensive for the Atlanta Hawks sooner than later. Trae Young’s maximum rookie extension kicks in this season and the team is negotiating an extension for De’Andre Hunter this offseason as well.
Next offseason it will be Onyeka Okongwu that is eligible for an extension and Atlanta needs to prepare for what will inevitably be another max contract for Dejounte Murray down the line as well.
Murray is slated to be a free agent in 2024 and part of the reason many people believe the San Antonio Spurs traded him was that he was going to test the market and had no interest in signing an extension before then.
As a result, clearing cap space has also been the focus of Atlanta this offseason. After acquiring Murray, they traded Kevin Huerter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless and a future first-round pick. If they wish to clear more cap space, John Collins could be traded next.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Charlotte Hornets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Collins is signed through 2025 with a player option for the 2025-26 season. Knowing how much money they are going to have to pay players in the coming offseason, the front office could look to shed some more long-term salary by moving him.
This deal with the Hornets is similar to the one they pulled off with the Kings centered around Huerter. Atlanta takes back expiring contracts in Kelly Oubre Jr., Mason Plumlee and P.J. Washington with a 2023 first-round pick. Washington is eligible for an extension himself, but likely won’t come close to a contract worth as much as Collins if a deal is worked out.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Charlotte Hornets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
All three players provide Atlanta with insurance this season, strengthening their rotation. The draft pick helps recoup some of what was sent to the San Antonio Spurs and most importantly, they save a ton of long-term money to reallocate elsewhere on the roster.
