If the price for John Collins is really this low, should the Pistons bite?

Detroit Pistons: A trade for John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks

This is one way for the Hawks to get off Collins’ contract, as Bey is still on his rookie deal and both the veterans are on expiring deals (Noel has a team option).

This would give the Hawks more depth and clear some cap space in the offseason for them to pursue another player. Bey is currently a better 3-point shooter than Collins (barely) and could be a better fit. Noel and Joseph are no world beaters, but they are reliable veterans who can fill in and play a role on a good team.

Collins may not be a huge upgrade over Bey on paper, but he is much-better fit with the Detroit Pistons, as he is a better defender and rebounder.

Collins is averaging 1.4 blocks and grabbing over eight rebounds per game, far better than Bey, who is one of the worst defending forwards in the league.

This move would allow the Pistons to keep Bojan Bogdanovic, and they could actually have both he and Collins on the floor at the same time, which is difficult with Bey given he and Bojan’s defensive limitations.

Detroit would still have the cap space to fill out their bench with quality role players, and Collins could have a renaissance in a new situation where he wasn’t constantly being mentioned as trade bait.

It’s certainly an interesting idea, as the 2023 free agent class is not deep with talent that fits Detroit’s most pressing need for a defensive upgrade at forward. It would also give two high-ceiling young players a chance for a fresh start with a new team that might be a better fit.