Hawks deal John Collins to Jazz, open huge exception, sources say
The Atlanta Hawks have traded John Collins to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The trade gives the Hawks salary-cap relief, as Collins is owed $25.3 million in each of the next two seasons. The Jazz, meanwhile, add a young, athletic forward who can stretch the floor.
Collins, 25, was drafted by the Hawks with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. He has averaged 16.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his career.
Gay, 35, is a 16-year NBA veteran who has averaged 14.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his career. He is under contract for one more season at $13.3 million.
The trade is the latest in a series of moves by the Hawks to reshape their roster. In recent weeks, they have also traded Danilo Gallinari and De'Andre Hunter.
The Jazz are hoping that Collins can help them improve their defense and spacing. They have been a playoff team in each of the last six seasons, but they have not been able to advance past the second round.
The trade is a win-win for both teams. The Hawks get salary-cap relief and a future asset, while the Jazz add a young, talented player who can help them compete for a championship.