3 Potential Trade Destinations for John Collins This Offseason
The Utah Jazz endured another disappointing season, finishing 31-51 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Amid this rebuild, they might trade much of their roster to focus on young talents like Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and their 2024 draft picks: Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski. While Lauri Markkanen is the prime candidate for a trade, players like Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and John Collins could also be moved.
After acquiring Collins from the Atlanta Hawks last offseason, the Jazz had hoped for a better record. Despite their struggles, Collins had a solid year, averaging 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and shooting 53.2% in 68 games. However, his career-worst defensive rating of 118.3 reflects the team’s poor overall defense. At 26, Collins still has value and could attract interest from several teams given his expiring contract with a player option for the 2025-26 season.
Here are three possible trade destinations for Collins this summer:
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks, aiming to reshape their roster after a season marred by injuries and a coaching change, could be interested in Collins. With Giannis Antetokounmpo missing the playoffs’ first round, the Bucks were eliminated early, prompting potential roster changes. Brook Lopez might be traded to either find a new center or promote Bobby Portis. The Bucks had shown interest in Collins before his move to Utah, making him a potential target.
Proposed Trade:
– Jazz Receive: MarJon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson Jr., Brook Lopez
– Bucks Receive: John Collins
This deal would allow the Bucks to replace Lopez with a younger, cheaper option in Collins, potentially moving Portis to the starting lineup or playing Giannis at center with Collins as the starting forward. The Jazz, in turn, could trade Lopez or hold him until closer to the trade deadline, while gaining young players Beauchamp and Jackson Jr. to aid their rebuild.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, looking to adjust their roster with Donovan Mitchell’s extension, might trade Jarrett Allen to move Evan Mobley to center and add a floor-spacing forward. Collins could fit this role well.
Proposed Trade:
– Jazz Receive: Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro (sign-and-trade), 2025 second-round pick
– Cavaliers Receive: John Collins, Walker Kessler
This trade would give the Cavs more floor spacing with Collins alongside Mobley and a young backup center in Kessler. The Jazz would get Allen, a solid defensive center, and Okoro, a young defender with room to grow, plus a draft pick to further their rebuild.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies, aiming to bounce back from an injury-plagued season, might look to trade for Collins to bolster their forward depth. Collins could replace Brandon Clarke, who has struggled with injuries.
Proposed Trade:
– Jazz Receive: Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama, John Konchar, 2027 first-round pick
– Grizzlies Receive: John Collins
This trade would upgrade the Grizzlies’ frontcourt with Collins, complementing their core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Jazz would gain a valuable first-round pick and young talent in Aldama, with Clarke and Konchar potentially being traded later for more assets.
With the Jazz not close to a playoff run, trading Collins, a still-young and valuable forward, could draw significant interest from other teams, aiding Utah’s rebuild.
