Former King dealt for player heavily-rumored in past Sacramento trades
ESPN reports that the Utah Jazz are acquiring John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Rudy Gay and a second-round draft pick.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 03: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks past John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of a game at Vivint Arena on February 03, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz are acquiring John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Rudy Gay and a second-round draft pick.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news early Monday.
“ESPN Sources: The Hawks are finalizing a trade to send F/C John Collins to the Jazz for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick,” Wojnarowski tweeted. “Atlanta’s largely unloading Collins’ three years, $78M for some roster building flexibility and alignment with looming changes to salary cap.”
What Does John Collins Offer The Jazz?
Collins provides the Jazz with a starting caliber forward to play alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler as rookie Taylor Hendricks develops.
The 25-year-old was the 19th pick by the Hawks of the 2017 draft after two standout seasons at Wake Forrest.
Collins quickly developed into a franchise piece for the Hawks averaging 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the floor and 37 percent from the three-point line.
ESPN Sources: The Hawks are finalizing a trade to send F/C John Collins to the Jazz for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. Atlanta’s largely unloading Collins’ three years, $78M for some roster building flexibility and alignment with looming changes to salary cap. pic.twitter.com/CpAfTNXKMq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023
However, Collins production has taken a steep downturn over the last three seasons.
The hyper-athletic forward has averaged 15.5 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting just 53 percent from the floor and 35 percent from three.
During the 2022-23 season, Collins shot a career-low 50 percent from the floor and 29 percent from the three-point line.
The forward has two years and more than $51 million left on his contract, plus a $26.5 million deal in 2025-26 season.
Rudy Gay had one season and $6.5 million left on his deal after picking up his player option for the 2023-24 season.
This story was first published by Sactown Sports‘ sister station, KSL Sports. Thank you for reading sactownsports.com. Follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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