BREAKING: John Collins Finally Dealt To New Home

 After three years of trade rumors, the Atlanta Hawks have finally sent forward John Collins packing. He'll be taking his three more seasons at over $75M to the Utah Jazz, in, essentially, a salary dump.

ESPN Sources: The Hawks are finalizing a trade to send F/C John Collins to the Jazz for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. Atlanta’s largely unloading Collins’ three years, $78M for some roster building flexibility and alignment with looming changes to salary cap. pic.twitter.com/CpAfTNXKMq

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023

As Adrian Wojnarowski reports, Rudy Gay opted into his contract for next season, allowing the Jazz to make this deal. Despite the huge dollars ($25+M AAV) left on Collins' deal, Utah has room under their cap, and the six-year veteran power forward does give the Jazz a skillset in the frontcourt that they were looking for, to play alongside gunner Lauri Markkanen and rim protector Walker Kessler.

Rudy Gay exercised his $6.4M option for the 2023-2024 season, his agent Sam Permut of @Rocnationsports tells ESPN — and that cleared the way for the trade that can’t be formalized until July 6.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023

The Hawks are far from done making moves, however, as unloading the Collins contract allows them to spend on other parts of the roster. 

“Collins' departure also gives Atlanta a fuller opportunity to navigate possible contract extensions for three young core players: Dejounte Murray, Onyeka Okongwu and Saddiq Bey.”

If extensions are coming for Okungwu and Bey, have to imagine De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela are… https://t.co/iyDFTaQQpt

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 26, 2023

Woj writes that they'll now more fully investigate "possible contract extensions for three young core players: Dejounte Murray, Onyeka Okongwu and Saddiq Bey.”

Other trades will also be on the horizon, as the Hawks prepare for a possible major re-tooling. 

Trades cannot be formalized until July 6th, but Collins is finally on his way out of the ATL. 

Collins averaged a five-year low 13.1 points last season for the Hawks, along with a career-low 6.5 rebounds. 

Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports