Boston Celtics Receive: F John Collins, G Tony Snell, C Bruno Fernando
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Marcus Smart, G/F Romeo Langford, C Robert Williams III, BOS 2021 1st Round Pick, BOS 2022 2nd Round Pick, BOS 2023 1st Round Pick
Last season, John Collins emerged as one of the better, more versatile power-forwards in the NBA, eclipsing 20+ points per game and this season, he is continuing to get better, even with the emergence of all the weapons on this year’s Hawks roster. With him being as dynamic as he is at such a young age, he could make a huge impact for the Celtics seeing as they have virtually no productivity from their frontcourt.
Marcus Smart has been a fantastic player for them over the years on both ends of the court, which is why the Hawks would likely want him in any trade package involving John Collins. Smart is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and for the Hawks, a team that currently ranks 17th in opponents points per game (112.4 PPG); they could really benefit and potentially move into the Top-10 in defensive efficiency with Marcus Smart.
As good as he is on the defensive-end of the court, Marcus Smart is also having his best offensive season statistically, but is currently out with a calf injury. He is averaging career-highs in points per game and assists per game and can be a great complimentary guard next to Trae Young in the backcourt.
Romeo Langford has not really had much of an NBA career to this point with the Celtics because of several injuries he has been dealing with, particularly with his wrist. Langford had surgery again on his right wrist in December and is expected to be out until April at the earliest.
He does not present the Hawks with immediate potential or production, but he has all the makings of being a really solid NBA player if he can be healthy. That is a big “if” though because Since being drafted 14th overall in 2019, Langford has only played in 32 games with the Celtics.
Atlanta could always use more young talent on the wing, which is why Langford could be a risk they would be willing to invest in, especially in order to get three draft picks in this year’s draft. Giving up Tony Snell also does not hurt this team, as he is owed $12.1M this season and is not in the Hawks long-term plans.
The only player the Hawks would be giving up that matters to them is John Collins and they could be receiving three younger players who could all impact this organization moving forward, not to mention the two first-round picks and a second-round pick they receive from Boston as well.
Overall, this trade scenario is very balanced for both teams and they each get what they want. With that being said, let’s take a look at why this trade makes sense for both the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks.
