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Proposals, pros, and cons for the top John Collins trade rumors

By Joshua Buckhalter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 21: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 21, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 21: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 21, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Pros and cons of trading for Bradley Beal

The rumor that essentially started it all with this group, adding Bradley Beal would give the Hawks the second scorer and clutch option we’ve long said they needed. Beal is in a down year, averaging 23.6 points 6.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. But he’s shooting 45.5 percent from the floor, down from his 48.5 percent mark of last season, and just 30.1 percent from deep.

That’s Beal’s worst efficiency from beyond the arc in his career and his 49.7 effective field goal percentage is his worst mark since 2015, his third season in the NBA.

A three-time All-Star, Beal was an All-NBA Third Teamer last season averaging 31.3 points on 48.5 percent overall and 34.9 percent from outside to go with 4.7 boards, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals.

It is no coincidence that Beal had his best season when paired with Russell Westbrook. Beal went from getting 51.3 percent of his looks unassisted to 59.9 percent this season.

This proposal counts on Beal having been at his most efficient when playing with a true point guard and, as of right now, there aren’t that many that are truer than Young. While Young has proven to be a scoring dynamo at this level just as he was in college, many will tell you his vision and passing ability is his best skill.

Only six players in NBA history have ever averaged more than 8.9 assists over the first four years of their career as Young has.

Just three, including Young, have ever done so while averaging at least 24.0 points per game.

He needs a sidekick though, just as Beal needs a set-up man. It would seem to be a match made in basketball heaven. But, just as with Simmons, there are some questions about how Beal’s game helps the Hawks.

The Hawks are seventh in scoring this season. That side of the court hasn’t been the issue. Their issues have been with getting stops and even though Beal’s defensive rating is better than most of the Hawks rotation, he hardly solves that issue. It’s also still negative thanks to his subpar offense this year.

Beal, the third overall pick in 2012, has also sported a negative defensive box plus-minus in all but two seasons in his career.

There is the risk of Beal’s numbers being nothing more than empty calories.

If fans have an issue with Young’s defense, there is no way they could stomach the defense a Beal-Young backcourt would play would have the city up in arms. Especially if it costs them a high-effort player such as Collins.

Kyle Kuzma is probably shooting for the moon in this trade but adding him with Beal would be an absolute boon for the Hawks.

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