Jazz big man John Collins continues to be frequently mentioned as a possible target for the Kings. Reporting last week cast doubt on Sacramento’s ability to make a deal for Nets forward Cameron Johnson, but Collins is someone who might fit the roster at a lower cost.
As has been previously reported, the Kings made Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, and draft compensation available as they sought out roster upgrades. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that before the De’Aaron Fox news broke earlier this week, the Kings discussed various frameworks of trades that would have netted Collins.
It’s unknown how Fox’s availability affects the Kings’ interest in Collins, and NBA insider Marc Stein says it’s also unclear how far talks between the two teams progressed before the Kings opened up offers for Fox.
However, 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 to tell 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) would work as 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 per game with an impressive .531/.446/.869 shooting line this season.
“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.
People forget he was a good undersized center when needed. They only focused on if he and Trae get along…
But Trae is proving hard to get along with…
Well Trae got coaches fired. Hence why coaches won’t vote for him as an allstar anymore.
No way he should ever be playing C along with all the undersized players in todays weak era
JC is light years better than Cameron Johnson, more complete and a better shooter.
Very underrated player in the league.
You’re probably one of the only people making that assessment. Cameron Johnson is going to end up costing someone multiple first round picks if they trade for him.
I guess it’s good for the Jazz as it allows them to make smaller trades, which are much easier than one large contract.
The only negative is Trey Lyles being included, unless his attitude towards practices have changed. It’s a running joke with Jazz fans that he hated Coach Snyder’s long practices. Lol
It’d also be a full circle since being traded to Nuggets, with a pick, for the draft rights to Spida. I’d say that worked out pretty well for the Jazz. Maybe they can flip Trey for another Spida? =)
I imagine Lyles would never suit up and be cut
Lyles is expiring this summer, it’s not a big deal.
Kings should
Said this two years ago.
This is perfect for the Kings
They may also be gauging what move might entice Fox to resign. But they are 10th. And they improved their roster with DeRozan. So Fox might be looking at the situation like… we will never win here, I can get paid and win elsewhere. Wemby is possibly going to be the future of the league.
For the Kings I think you have to accept you may only get rental trade value for him.
If SAS was really inclined to make a move, you’re getting lesser of their FRPs only.
Brooklyn has 3 lower value FRPs next year but why trade for Fox they are no where near competing. They don’t even have a franchise player on the roster.
“they improved their roster with DeRozan”, nah. They improved their scoring punch, but DeRozan was a terrible fit from the word go. Pushing Murray to the 4 screwed him up, weakened the team’s defense, and limited their perimeter options because DeRozan needs the ball to be of any use.
You can replace Kings with Bulls, and Murray for Patrick Williams, and that would be accurate for the past 3 years as well.
Nah it’s time for Fox to go. They have tried winning with him for years and it didnt work. If he still wanted to be there, ok keep trying. But since he wants out, get rid of him and go a different route. They won 8 games in a row without him btw.
Even Derozen regrets going there.
I’m trying to understand why Utah would do this suggested trade with Sacramento.
Doesn’t Kevin Huerter have one more big year left on his deal? With John Collins being the better player, that would equal a first round pick and then Huerter’s crappy contract would include perhaps another first or second?
I don’t think Utah will get what they want from Sacramento and if they trade Collins, it will be elsewhere. John is having a great year and his price has gone up for sure.
Doesn’t Utah have a white guy quota to hit tho?
Seemingly so yes. Three teams in the NBA have historically wound up with the white bread. Jazz Celtics, Indiana Pacers.
Who knows why? Fan base? I think these teams are making the wrong decisions if that’s what they’re doing.
Get the best player, no matter if they’re Chinese or Brazilian or Canadian. Who cares what the fan base says, you’re out there to win.
But unfortunately, that’s not how all of America thinks. Many chase financial gain and the almighty dollar rules and reigns.
Side note, It’s good to see that the Boston Celtics have kinda gone the best player route lately and ignored garbage historical notions.
Almost any comment on this subject is taboo so this comment is a risky proposition, but I like to take risks.
Dont think too deep with Utah, its draft capital and a 8 M savings on next year that they will use to get more future draft capital next year
Ha ha you’re right. Every little bit helps.
Fox just is overrated like 90 percent of the league. These guys couldn’t even beat the 70s all stars. Weakest era ever