This Jalen Smith trade proposal could divide Indiana Pacers fans

Could this trade involving Jalen Smith make the Indiana Pacers front office weigh up hard?

In this proposed deal from Bleacher Report, the Indiana Pacers acquire forward John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks for Jalen Smith, as well as guard Buddy Hield.

Amidst the Hawks’ rise in the East (currently tied for fourth in the conference with, well, the Pacers), Collins’ role has greatly diminished, largely due to Atlanta’s clearer pecking order with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray leading the way. Hence, rumors pointing to the 25-year-old being available for trades have surfaced lately.

After averaging 20-10 three seasons ago, Collins’ numbers have strikingly plummeted. So far this season, he has been registering just 12.1 points and 7.1 rebounds despite logging the second-most minutes per game for his career, a further testament to his streamlined role in Atlanta behind their guards and even De’Andre Hunter.

At his best, Collins is still a double-double threat who can provide rebounding, vertical spacing, and some shot creation from the power forward position. Should the Pacers go all-in on the John Collins sweepstakes if the opportunity presents itself, even at the cost of Jalen Smith?