NBA

Hawks receive: Rudy Gay and a second-round pick
Jazz receive: John Collins

More than anything, this was a move by the Hawks to create breathing room under the luxury tax threshold. Trading away Collins will likely make Atlanta a bit less talented, at least on paper, but players such as Onyeka Okongwu, Saddiq Bey and Jalen Johnson will benefit from an increase in playing time. Also, the $25.3 million trade exception created by the Hawks as a result of this trade can’t be discounted. Overall, this trade is a positive for Atlanta’s general health as an organization, even if Rudy Gay and a second-round pick isn’t a strong return.

Collins is a fairly talented player, so I don’t hate the Jazz betting on that ability in adding him to the roster. This addition is also more of a free agent signing than a trade, given that the Gay and a draft pick combination has basically neutral value, and Collins has three years remaining on his contract. One downside of this transaction for the Jazz is that it creates a logjam in the frontcourt with Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Taylor Hendricks, but that situation will probably sort itself out over time.

Hawks Grade: B-
Jazz Grade: B-