Hawks, wizards may be on their way to daring trade

A few teams in the NBA need a shake-up as we’ve crossed the quarter mark of the 2022-2023 season. While some franchises have far exceeded expectations, just as many fall short of theirs.

One team that doesn’t play close to the level many believe they are capable of is the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks made a box office hit in the offseason by acquiring point guard Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs, believing him to be the perfect addition to Trae Young’s backcourt.

While Murray has had his moments, the team has fallen hard back to Earth after a strong start. They have lost two games in a row and seven of their last 10 as they had to deal with some player injuries during their rotation. Every player on the roster has missed at least one game, while others have been sidelined longer.

Murray will be out for at least two weeks due to an ankle sprain suffered during the December 7 game against the New York Knicks. De’Andre Hunter has missed five games, while John Collins has missed seven.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: John Collins, Kyle Kuzma, Atlanta Hawks & Washington Wizards Updates

Speaking of Collins, he is a prime trade candidate for Atlanta this season. He’s been associated with a few different franchises, but one seems to stand above the rest in the Washington Wizards. As shared by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Reportcould be a trade between Collins and Kyle Kuzma in the works.

“His name will stick around during the trading season, although it may be difficult for the Hawks to find a trading partner given the amount left on his contract. A team like the Suns is likely to stay away from that sort of thing dedication with ownership in motion.

Maybe the Wizards take that leap with Kyle Kuzma, but Atlanta should be willing to reinvest in a player who expects to be paid like Collins.”

As for the latter, the Hawks want to move Collins because of his contract. After failing to agree to a rookie extension by the deadline in 2020, Collins signed a massive five-year, $125 million deal in 2021 as a free agent. stopped.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: John Collins, Kyle Kuzma, Atlanta Hawks & Washington Wizards Updates

This could be seen as a way for the Hawks to find some salary relief, as Kuzma will likely decline his player option and enter unlimited free agency in 2023. There have been talks that Atlanta wants to stay under the luxury tax, so flipping Collins for a player in Kuzma who might leave would certainly help with that.