Boston Celtics Receive: F John Collins, G Tony Snell

Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Marcus Smart, G Payton Pritchard, BOS 2021 1st Round Pick, BOS 2021 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 22nd in opponents points per game (113.1 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 was also having his best offensive season statistically before his 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.

Rookie guard Payton Pritchard is a very valuable trade asset that the Celtics would definitely not want to give up just yet, but he could be what it takes to acquire John Collins. Pritchard is averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and is shooting 38% from three-point range this season, making him the better bench scorer on this Celtics roster. 

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Atlanta could really benefit from having a young, reliable backcourt player to backup Trae Young, which is why they could show high interest in Boston’s recent first-round pick. Pritchard has an enormous upside in this league, especially since he is a dangerous perimeter threat on the offensive end of the court. 

The only player the Hawks would be giving up that matters to them is John Collins and they could be receiving two relatively 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.