At the start of the season, most Utah Jazz fans' most positive outlook for John Collins was that maybe somebody would take them off their hands as a throw-in for a Collin Sexton of Jordan Clarkson trade. Now, Collins has worked his way into legitimate trade for capital talks, seeing a massive resurgence in his second season with the Jazz.
Collins isn't a fit for every team, as late in his tenure in Atlanta and his first year in Utah proved he needs to be used correctly to reach his full potential. Collins has thrived when he is not the focal point on the floor and is allowed to flow within the offense as a role player.
He's played so well that Danny Ainge is within his rights to want a first-rounder in exchange for Collins, and there are some trade partners out there that make sense for the Jazz as the deadline approaches.
Golden State Warriors
Collins could be the big man the Warriors have been looking for since a stretch big could solve their problems. He can adapt very quickly to the Warriors' style of play, whether it be a small ball or if the Warriors want to go big with Kevon Looney, Draymond Green, and John Collins all on the floor together.
Collins's ability to play the small ball five is why the Warriors could be an intriguing destination for him, giving Golden State another 3-point threat who can also battle for boards down low.
The Warriors own their own first-round draft picks from 2025 to 2029, so there are plenty of assets the Jazz would be willing to take if the Warriors are willing to give them up.
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is looking for frontcourt depth, and John Collins would be a massive upgrade over Trey Lyles. Outside of Damontas Sabonis and Lyles, the Kings don't have much in the realm of the frontcourt, so Collins would bolster their rotation if not earn an outright starting job at their four spots. There seems to be a lot of smoke behind this trade, so it's one to keep a close eye on.
The Kings own their first-round picks from 2026 to 2030, so they have plenty to offer the Jazz in exchange for Collins. The Kings seem to be the direction this potential trade is heading, but it is by no means a done deal for either side until they call it in.
Denver Nuggets
This one is a little speculative and a little tricky, but Collins would be a good fit for the Denver Nuggets who are looking for any piece they can add to help propel another potential title run. Denver seems to be putting the pieces together, but something still doesn't seem quite right. Collins could be the missing piece the Nuggets need.
Denver's offseason acquisition of Dario Saric has been a colossal failure as 36-year-old Deandre Jordan gets more minutes behind Nikola Jokic than Saric does. Aaron Gordon also has been dealing with injuries all season long so a player like Collins who could play both the four and the five would provide some much-needed help to the Nuggets.
The Nuggets own their first-round picks in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2031. Like the other teams listed, there are pieces for both sides to complete the deal. It just depends on whether the Nuggets are willing to add Collins' salary to their full payroll.