Jazz big man John Collins continues to be frequently mentioned as a possible target for the Kings. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Kings were no longer in on trading for Nets forward Cameron Johnson, but Collins is someone who might fit the roster at a lower cost.
As has been reported, the Kings’ trade discussions have most frequently included Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles and draft compensation. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that before the De’Aaron Fox news earlier this week, the Kings discussed various frameworks of trades that would have netted Collins.
It’s unknown whether or not the Fox news impacts whether or not the Kings still have interest in Collins. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that it’s unclear how far talks between the two teams progressed before the Kings opened up offers for Fox. James Ham of ESPN1320 reported on “The Kings Beat” podcast (YouTube link) that the Kings basically had a deal done for Collins, going so far as telling their players, before pulling out.
“I saw some rumors, but I definitely didn’t hear that,” Collins said of Sacramento, per The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen. “Whatever Sacramento is doing, that’s, you know, their prerogative, if it involves me or not. Obviously, I would have found out. But I’m kind of happy I just didn’t have that news — sorry, nothing against Sacramento — just kind of happy I didn’t have that news hit my phone. I’ve just got to continue to be the best professional I can be and continue playing basketball.“
For what it’s worth, a package of Huerter ($16.8MM) and Lyles ($8MM) is nearly a match for Collins’ $26.5MM salary. Collins is averaging 18.1 points (his most since 2019/20), 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks with an impressive .531/.446/.869 shooting line.
“It’s a Catch-22. It’s something that I try not to think about because I would get lost in it. And that’s why I just say I’m just happy that I found a nice group of guys here who can talk me through all of the trade rumors. You know what I mean?” Collins said. “Because this is not an easy thing mentally, to think about whether, it might be a better situation or worse situation, and whatever situation is out there, it’s not my current one. So it’s hard for me to think about that and focus.“
Would be a great trade for the Kings, Hueter and Lyles plus draft compensation asking at it’s not to much picks.
Murray Collins Sabonis would be a good 3-4-5. Plenty of size, good spacing, good rebounding and would be a great foundation for any backcourt. They do have young Devin Carter there who looked good in college but hasn’t had much opportunities yet in the NBA. They’ve also got Keon Ellis at SG who is a good defender and ofcourse there’s Malik Monk who has been playing really good of recent.
Considering you could also trade DeRozan it’s not a bad direction for the Kings.
Collins was also a really good small ball 5 back in his Hawks days in some line ups, having that versatility would be a good bonus.