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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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Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Pros and cons of trading for Jerami Grant

This is the latest entrant into the ‘will they or won’t they” of Hawks trade rumors. Reports of the Hawks interest in Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons has picked up just as the 76ers plans and Collins’ concerns have come into focus. Grant, an eight-year veteran who is currently in health and safety protocols, he’s reportedly given Pistons brass a list of his preferred teams.

He also reportedly wants to be assured of a primary scoring role wherever he goes.

Averaging 21.6 points over the last two seasons, Grant has struggled with efficiency as the top threat in Detroit.

But he offers many of the same qualities as Collins with his energy and effort on both ends of the floor. Collins is probably a better post defender – not by much – whereas Grant has the edge on the perimeter as someone who can play small forward.

He is averaging 4.8 boards and 2.6 assists, both the second-most of his career, as well as a career-high 1.1 steals this season.

Grant was the first option in our piece on alternatives from when it appeared Collins could leave Atlanta in free agency. At the time, though, the Pistons were standing firm in their stance that he wasn’t available.

What a difference six months makes. That goes for Collins too on the heels of a $125 million contract signed over the summer.

Our take at the time was that another finish near the bottom of the conference would sway Detriot and that appears to be the case. But the same pros and cons to the move exist. The Hawks get added perimeter defense and a player hungry to be the second scorer they can count on for 20-plus points on any given night.

Grant is older and less athletic than Collins while being four years older. The Hawks would be giving up some rebounding too, an area in which Collins has flashed elite ability even if the results haven’t always been there.

He also hasn’t played since mid-December after tearing ligaments in his thumb and is currently in health and safety protocols.

However, his contract is also up after next season; a scenario that could benefit both he and the Hawks at that point.

They would get a player hungry to earn that next contract while he gets to play for a contender.

In the end, trading the longest-tenured Hawks player will always sting a little. Especially when that player cares as much as Collins has shown he does. Grant would be on his fifth team and would have to be considered a flight risk with his contract situation.

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