Why Hawks Trading John Collins to Jazz Benefits Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the winners of the John Collins trade after the power forward was dealt to the Utah Jazz by the Atlanta Hawks.

SAN ANTONIO - San Antonio Spurs fans probably noticed that the Atlanta Hawks just basically gave away veteran semi-star John Collins to the Utah Jazz this week for former Spur Rudy Gay and a future second round pick. 

This is a quintessential example of giving away a dude to get money off the books. The Hawks have tired and they have failed. Just getting to the playoffs and getting dispatched in the first round isn't going to sustain. They also just brought in former Austin Spurs coach Quin Snyder as new head coach and it's not like they're in tank mode with Trae Young and former Spur Dejounte Murray still in their primes. 

Still, one and done in the playoffs can wear people out and it makes me wonder how long Atlanta will walk the line. It makes me wonder how long Young and Murray will stay patient. 

Would either of those two ask to be traded if things don't improve next season? How would the Hawks respond? Keep an eye on that situation because guess who's got a bunch of their draft capital in the coming years? That's right, San Antonio. The Spurs own Atlanta's first round picks in 2025 and 2027, and they also own the right to swap firsts in 2026. Hey Atlanta, tank baby, tank! 

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