Atlanta trade John Collins to Jazz for Rudy Gay

Atlanta Hawks are sending forward John Collins to the Utah Jazz in a trade that will secure the team exceptional financial flexibility.

Atlanta is acquiring forward Rudy Gay, a future 2^nd-round pick for John, who is owed 78 million dollars in the next 3 years. The exchange creates more than 25 million dollars in trade exceptions for Atlanta – the largest in the league. Hawks has one season to use the exception to take on a basketballer’s deal.

John Collins has been traded to the Utah Jazz, sources confirm to @JeffSchultzATL and @Tjonesonthenba.

The Hawks will receive Rudy Gay and a second-round pick in return. https://t.co/YupBa0KH6A pic.twitter.com/yMUFOEXZ1L

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The swap cannot be official until July 6^th.

With Collins, Utah will have a versatile attacker to be on the court front line along with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. The franchise was an offensive revelation under 1^st-year head coach Will Hardy, and John’s acquisition could revive the chances of the Jazz to play in the Western Conference postseason next campaign.