After seemingly being involved in trade rumors for years, John Collins is officially on the move.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks are finalizing a trade that sends Collins to the Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gay and a future draft pick. The deal ends Collins' six-year tenure in Atlanta that began when he was selected out of Wake Forest with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Collins is coming off of a season in which he averaged 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds over 71 games for Atlanta. With a crowded frontcourt and looming financial issues, the Hawks made a move with future flexibility in mind.
The Sporting News breaks down the details of the deal and what it means for all involved parties moving forward.
MORE: Ranking the top 50 free agents in 2023 offseason
John Collins trade details
Jazz receive:
- John Collins
Hawks receive:
- Rudy Gay
- Future second-round pick
The Jazz add Collins to a team that fell just three games shy of earning a berth in the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament.
As it stands, the Jazz add Collins to a frontcourt rotation that includes the likes of Most Improved Player Lauri Markkanen, All-Rookie First Team center Walker Kessler and Kelly Olynyk, whose $12.2 million for the upcoming season is non-guaranteed.
For the Hawks, the deal frees up more time for up-and-coming forward Jalen Johnson and will carve a bigger role for 2020 lottery pick Onyeka Okongwu.
John Collins contract details
In the 2021 offseason, Collins signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Hawks. Collins is owed roughly $51.9 million over the next two seasons with a player option worth $26.6 million for the 2025-26 NBA season.
| Year | Salary |
| 2023-24 | $25,340,000 |
| 2024-25 | $26,580,000 |
| 2025-26 | $26,580,000 (PO) |
Rudy Gay contract details
Gay signed a three-year $18.6 million contract with the Jazz in the 2021 offseason. After exercising his player option, Gay will earn $6.5 million in the 2023-24 season, his 18th in the NBA.
| Year | Salary |
| 2023-24 | $6,479,000 |
John Collins career stats
- 15.8 points per game
- 8.0 rebounds per game
- 1.5 assists per game
- 1.0 blocks per game
- 55.1 percent field goal shooting
- 35.6 percent 3-point shooting
- 78.3 percent free throw shooting
