John Collins trade details: Jazz land forward from Hawks for Rudy Gay, future draft pick

Gilbert McGregor

John Collins trade details: Jazz land forward from Hawks for Rudy Gay, future draft pick image

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

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.