Fans get excited about NBA trades – at least, they usually do. Nothing will galvanize a fanbase like a blockbuster deal. With that said, every deal is not the same. Some deals are just too practical to be exciting.
Teams have different priorities. Sometimes, they need to clear cap space. They may have a player on a bad contract that they’ve got to get rid of. In that event, they may make a deal that leaves their fanbase wanting more.
For example, the Utah Jazz would like to get rid of John Collins. They’ve been disappointed with his performance, and his contract is large. Could they send him to the Charlotte Hornets and reunite with Gordon Hayward?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets receive: F/C John Collins, F Simone Fontecchio, 2029 Second-Round Pick (UTA), 2030 Second-Round Pick (UTA)
Utah Jazz receive: F Gordon Hayward
When it comes to excitement, both of these fanbases are in strange positions. There are reasons to get excited about their team’s positions. On the other hand, it’s been some time since either team provided meaningful results.
Sure, the Jazz were good during the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert era. They were never serious title contenders. The Jazz consistently felt like a regular-season team. With that said, the fans have to be excited about the surplus of draft capital the team has at their disposal.
As for the Hornets – well, they’ve got LaMelo Ball. That alone is a reason for excitement. Meanwhile, Brandon Miller is having a strong rookie campaign as well. Should they take on Collins’ contract?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It’s a tough call. Collins’ contract is currently undesirable. The Hornets shouldn’t pick him up unless they think he’s a good fit with their roster.
He is – and isn’t. It’s tricky. On the one hand, the Hornets have Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington. They’re creating a logjam here. At the same time, Collins’ best season came as Trae Young’s primary pick-and-roll partner. If the Hornets put him in the same role, he could easily outperform both Bridges and Washington.
In that event, they could move Washington. In the end, we think this is a gamble worth taking – especially since it comes with a pair of second-round picks. It’s also worth noting that Fontecchio has been outstanding of late – the Hornets could be picking up a good rotation player here. Should the Jazz give him up to move Collins?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Reuniting with Hayward would make for a nice story. It may get some Jazz fans excited. This is a good story, but that’s not why the Jazz do this deal.
They do it for Hayward’s expiring contract. That’s not to say that Hayward couldn’t have a future with the Jazz. They could extend him this summer, but it surely won’t cost the same amount that Hayward is currently being paid.
On the other hand, Hayward may prefer to join a contender at this stage of his career. That’s fine. For Utah, the point here is clear salary space – whether that excites the fans or not.
