The Utah Jazz have reportedly continued to “explore” trades for John Collins, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“League sources say that one definite in Salt Lake City is that the Jazz have continued to explore trade options for offseason acquisition John Collins.”
Although the Jazz acquired Collins in a July 2023 trade, his inaugural season in Salt Lake City has been disappointing. The team was reportedly “frustrated” with his inability to learn Utah’s system on both ends of the floor (per Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune).
Collins is averaging a modest 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds this season, shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three. However, his defense has been poor and he’s recording just 0.8 assists compared to 1.5 turnovers each night. The Jazz own a -12.8 net rating when he’s on the floor compared to a 4.8 net rating when he’s off, per NBA.com. That’s the largest difference of any player in Utah’s rotation.
Collins is still under contract through the 2024-25 season and has a player option worth roughly $26.5 million for his 2025-26 campaign (via Spotrac). With Utah sitting at 12th place in the Western Conference, it makes sense that the front office is attempting to move him in a trade to potentially open up cap space.
The Jazz could be in store for another roster shake-up, as Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on Dec. 15 that Utah is “willing to listen” to calls from opposing front offices that are looking for a trade. This could include All-Star Lauri Markkanen, who is in the midst of another incredible individual season despite the team’s poor record.
Utah was active prior to last season’s trade deadline as well, sending out several rotation players such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt in a three-team deal.
If Collins continues to underperform, executive Danny Ainge will be looking to make another trade ahead of this season’s Feb. 8 deadline.
