Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal 

The Atlanta Hawks have two primary reasons to make this deal. Ironically, both relate directly to the Murray deal. 

The first is the one we already touched on. This deal improves Atlanta’s now-compromised spacing. Sure, John Collins is a solid three-point shooter, but Cam Johnson is a lethal one. 

Moreover, Dario Saric should be able to replicate the lineups where Collins would have played the 5 to increase their spacing.

Granted, Saric isn’t the same player, or even as good as Collins. He was a substantially lesser athlete even before the injury that cost him his entire 2021-22 season. Still, from a pure spacing standpoint, he’ll suffice. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Phoenix Suns & Atlanta Hawks Updates

The second reason the Hawks do this deal is to recoup a little draft capital. Again, they just moved three first-round picks in exchange for Murray. Getting one back would be a smart move for the organization. 

Is John Collins worth enough to the Suns to justify giving one up alongside Johnson?