Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C John Collins, G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic 

Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

On the other hand – trades are part of the business. Life isn’t a fantasy: even if you’re an NBA player. 

That’s not to say that players don’t deserve sympathy. Everyone wants to feel valued by their employer. At the same time, we’ll simply say that life could be worse than being in the NBA and in trade rumors. 

Rumors don’t emerge out of thin air, either. For example, Westbrook finds his name in the rumor mill because he isn’t a good shooter. That’s limited his ability to play alongside LeBron James. 

Meanwhile, Collins may simply be a little overpaid.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Atlanta Hawks Updates

Sure, the Hawks gave him his contract – but they’re entitled to regret that decision, too. 

Is this the right way for them to move on from the talented forward?