What the Utah Jazz have going for them as sellers on the trade market is that they have players that teams with playoff aspirations could use. One of those players is John Collins, who's had an all-around excellent second season with the Jazz.
He's played so well that, at this point, no one has a problem with him being on the team, and yet, no one is against him being traded to a playoff team that could use him. That's nothing against
The most recent intel has revealed that the Kings have looked into acquiring him - back when they were bad - as have the Warriors. So it's not unrealistic to think Collins may have a new home before the February 6 deadline passes.
Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus floated a trade involving Collins that would put him on a playoff team and snare a first-round asset for him. He proposed the following deal between the Jazz and the Spurs.
Spurs receive: Collins and Patty Mills
Jazz receive: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Hornets 2025 protected first-rounder, Bulls 2025 second-rounder, Jazz 2026 second-rounder
Mills was on the Spurs from 2012 to 2021, where he helped them win a title in 2014. There would be a sentimental aspect to the Spurs bringing him back, though he's not what he was like when they had him. Pincus had this to say regarding why Collins would interest the Spurs.
"The Jazz may be getting a first in name from the Spurs, as the Hornets (8-28) aren't making the playoffs this season, and the pick will convey two seconds. That may be a welcome development for Utah as the team is relatively pick-poor in the second round... Utah projects go from three to seven second-rounders in the deal with San Antonio."
If a first-rounder is mentioned in a possible trade for Collins, Utah says yes without any hesitation. However, a protected first that would likely turn into two second-rounders isn't as appealing. But then again, it's not like beggars can be choosers if the Jazz want Collins off their payroll.
Plus, there's more upside to this trade than mere draft capital.
The Jazz actually get something back for Collins in this trade
Getting Zach Collins and Tre Jones counts for something, even if it doesn't count for a lot. Jones and Zach are perfect buy-low candidates for the Jazz, as the Spurs have heavily reduced both of their roles this season.
In a bigger role with the Jazz's backcourt, Jones could be a solid backup point guard. In a bigger role with the Jazz's frontcourt, Zach could be a solid backup behind Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. If they thrive, the Jazz could later sell them off for more assets later on.
This kind of trade helps the Jazz somewhat with their payroll since Jones will be a free agent this coming offseason and Zach makes noticeably less than John does. Honestly, with how the trade market has shaped up, and with Collins' raising from negative to neutral, this might honestly be the best the Jazz can hope for.
Grade: A-