Before the San Antonio Spurs sent Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks for Danilo Gallinari and three first-round picks, they were first linked with John Collins.
A Murray-Collins swap was the main talking point for both teams, with the Spurs even reportedly doing their due diligence to assess the big man. However, as Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News reported, the Hawks' offer of picks and a swap was just too hard to pass up.
Collins would have been able to help the Spurs immediately, but it is quite clear they are thinking more about the future. Gregg Popovich also gave his blessing to the approved deal, and he even welcomed the challenge of coaching a young squad that is projected to be bad and one of the worst teams in 2022-23.
Was told there was some internal discussion about whether to opt for package including John Collins, who could’ve helped more right away. Decided the deal with three first-rounders plus the swap was too good to pass up.
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) June 29, 2022
The Hawks have long wanted to move on from John Collins, but they will have to find another team to take him. But hey, at least they got their dream backcourt of Dejounte Murray and Trae Young.
For what it's worth, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN also reported that the Hawks remain engaged in talks to trade Collins. While it's unknown which specific teams they are in touch with, it's a big sign that there are more changes coming for Atlanta.
With free agency coming up, Collins could very well be one of the biggest names to be on the move.