Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Eric Gordon, F Kenyon Martin Jr., 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL via HOU) 

Houston Rockets Receive: F/C John Collins 

On the other hand, every rebuild isn’t the same. There is context that will determine what kinds of moves rebuilding teams are willing to make. 

For example – what does their draft capital look like? If a rebuilding team owes a first-round pick in the future, they may see that as a deadline. Suddenly, they’ll have every incentive to start winning games. 

The Houston Rockets owe their 2024 pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder with top-4 protection. This team is happy to rack up losses now, but they’ll have every incentive to start winning games next season. 

Of course, that won’t be easy. The Rockets have made a habit of losing games in recent years.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: John Collins, Atlanta Hawks & Houston Rockets Updates

They’ll have cap space to play with and another lottery pick, but they’ll need to adjust their habits if they want to turn a corner in 2023-24. 

Would adding Collins help them turn that corner?