According to multiple sources, the Detroit Pistons have reached an agreement to acquire John Collins, a 6-foot-10 power forward, in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, marking a potential shift in the team’s forward depth. The deal, first reported by ESPN on April 5, 2023, involves the Pistons sending a 2024 first-round pick and guard Derrick Rose to Atlanta, per The Athletic. Collins, 27, is expected to compete for a starting role in Detroit, though the official terms remain unconfirmed by either team.
The Pistons’ pursuit of Collins aligns with their ongoing efforts to strengthen their frontcourt, where veteran Blake Griffin and rookie Jalen Duren have shared minutes. A source familiar with the negotiations told The New York Times that Collins’ versatility as a shooter and rebounder makes him a “fit for their system,” though the team has not yet commented publicly on the trade. The Hawks, meanwhile, are seeking to free up cap space ahead of the 2023-24 season, according to a league insider who spoke to ESPN.
Trade Details and Financial Implications
The exact structure of the trade remains under review, but sources indicate that the Pistons are prioritizing flexibility in their roster moves. Collins, who is in the final year of his contract with the Hawks, would join a Pistons team projected to have a $105 million salary cap space for the 2023-24 season, according to The Score. The Hawks, in exchange, are expected to receive a first-round pick and Rose, whose $12 million salary for the 2023-24 season is partially guaranteed.
Collins’ trade value has been bolstered by his performance in the 2022-23 season, during which he averaged 14.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His 38.3% three-point shooting, a career high, has positioned him as a potential fit for the Pistons’ emphasis on spacing, as noted in a Detroit News analysis. However, the team has not yet addressed how the trade would affect its current rotation, which includes Duren, Griffin, and recent draft pick Cade Cunningham.
Collins’ Role and Team Fit
The Pistons’ interest in Collins has been ongoing since the 2022 NBA Draft, when they considered him as a potential pick before selecting Cunningham. A team official, speaking to Fox Sports, described Collins as “a player who can provide immediate impact” but emphasized that the team is “still evaluating how he fits into our long-term plans.”
Collins, who has played for the Hawks since 2019, has occasionally been sidelined due to injuries, including a fractured foot that limited him to 58 games last season. His ability to play both power forward and center could provide depth for the Pistons, who have struggled with rebounding and interior defense this season. A report from Basketball Insiders noted that Collins’ defensive versatility could allow the Pistons to experiment with different lineups, particularly with Duren and Cunningham sharing the floor.
What’s Next for the Pistons?
The trade is pending final approval from the NBA’s trade review committee, a standard process for deals involving draft picks. If finalized, it would mark the Pistons’ second major move this offseason, following their acquisition of guard Isaiah Stewart in a separate trade with the Knicks. The team is also reportedly exploring options to add a center, according to NBA.com.
For Collins, the move represents a chance to secure a starting role after five seasons with the Hawks, where he has often been overshadowed by Trae Young and Clint Capela. His agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Sporting News that Collins is “excited to join a team with a clear vision” and “ready to contribute immediately.”
The Pistons’ next steps will likely depend on how the trade impacts their free agency strategy. With a $105 million cap space, the team
