3 Sneaky Candidates Who Could Facilitate Trade for Jazz F John Collins

The Utah Jazz offseason acquisition has been at the center of recent trade rumors.

As we enter the NBA trade season, we’ve begun to see an abundance of rumors and whispers circling a few teams in the league. One of those recently mentioned has been the Utah Jazz, who may be gearing up for a potential move surrounding a summer acquisition.

Recent reports detail that the Jazz could be exploring deals surrounding big man John Collins as we approach the NBA trade deadline on February 8th. Collins was traded to Utah this past summer from the Atlanta Hawks for a package of Rudy Gay and a second-round pick.

While it was a low-risk, high-reward move to make at the time, it seems Danny Ainge would like to test the market to see what else could be available in exchange for the seven-year league vet. In 33 games played this season, Collins has averaged 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists a night.

With Collins potentially shopped on the market, here are three teams around the league who could be ideal suitors for his services:

Charlotte Hornets

When looking at a team like the Charlotte Hornets, it’s a roster that needs a bit of a spark. They stand just 8-24 in the Western Conference, with another high lottery pick likely on the horizon. They could utilize another body in the frontcourt to help round out the rotation, so taking a shot on Collins might not be the worst route.

A move to Charlotte would bring Collins back close to where he went to college at Wake Forest and be a great lob threat and pick-and-roll partner for rising star LaMelo Ball. A player with his ability to pass the rock and get others involved could be just the type of guy he can pair with to reach his full potential. Considering he played with a talent like Trae Young for the majority of his career, it wouldn’t be an extensive adjustment for Collins to make.

The Hornets could send out the expiring contract of Gordon Hayward back to Salt Lake City to match Collins’s numbers and effectively free up some cap for the upcoming summer. Some potential draft capital may need to be included to totally shed JC’s deal, but it may be a move that’s necessary when negotiating a sizeable contract to re-up Lauri Markkanen inevitably approaches. 

Washington Wizards

It’s no secret that the Washington Wizards will likely be eyeing another trip to the lottery again this summer. Starting this season off with a 6-29 record, there are still a few key steps forward this roster needs to get back to contention.

Their shortcomings in the standings effectively open the door to take a few flyers on some wildcards that may hit the market to see what you have and what type of ceiling they have as a player. We’ve seen the Wizards do it recently with their addition of Jordan Poole and even by re-signing Kyle Kuzma to lead this team’s offensive unit. If they were interested in a trade for Collins, it could follow a similar trend.

Collins has shown potential in previous seasons with Atlanta, once averaging over 20 points and ten rebounds in a season. To see any chance of him climbing back to those heights of production, the right situation will need to surround him.

Having the ability to play freely and on a team without high expectations could be a massive benefit to his career moving forward, and Washington could provide just that. Sending out players like Delon Wright and Landry Shamet in a deal does just enough to match Collins’s contract, bringing him onto the Wizards where things can get back on track.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies’ frontcourt took a massive hit in 2023 when they lost Steven Adams due to knee surgery for the year. His size, toughness, and strong ability in the pick and roll made him an extremely valuable piece for their team in his last season.

While an addition of Collins to the roster wouldn’t completely fill the void that the loss of Adams is, it’s someone who could provide a massive boost to Memphis’s Play-In hopes. Right now, the Grizzlies are 12-23, standing five games back from the 10-seed. If they want to give Ja Morant a puncher’s chance to compete in the Western Conference, the roster could use another component in the frontcourt.

Collins could be an excellent pick-and-roll partner for Morant and can complement Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defensive skillset nicely next to him in the starting lineup. If Memphis was willing to part ways with the contracts of Luke Kennard and Brandon Clarke for him, the Grizzlies could be a prime suitor for the former Hawk.

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