A Jerami Grant for John Collins trade is interesting but confusing

The Detroit Pistons trading Jerami Grant to the Hawks for John Collins

While a straight-up swap of Jerami Grant and John Collins works financially, it seems like the Hawks might be able to do better for a young star who is already locked into a contract.

To me, this would look like a steal for the Pistons, as Collins is just 24, still probably has another level and is locked into a reasonable deal that escalates up to $26 million in 2025-26, a number that may seem high now but will likely represent good value by then.

You’d be getting the prime years of a guy who has already shown he can be an impact player in the Eastern Conference Finals, is a nice fit with Cade Cunningham because of his superior efficiency and might already be better than Jerami now (no offense), so count me in if Jerami Grant is all it takes.

Am I wrong to think the Hawks would want another asset or two? I think Grant is a nice fit with them and might help Atlanta win more games right now, but is he really that much of an upgrade over Collins? I think Colllins’ age, production and contract make him the superior asset, so what else would the Pistons have to throw in to make this deal?

The Pistons could send back a Josh Jackson/Cory Joseph type veteran, but it’s hard for me to imagine that would be the best package the Hawks could get for John Collins. Killian Hayes could be an option if both teams really wanted a shake-up.

It doesn’t make sense for the Hawks and I am not sure it really makes sense for the Pistons.