In each of the last two seasons the jazz The lottery started off surprisingly competitive, with a .500 record in early February, but then sold off veterans and tanked down the stretch to improve its lottery odds. With a 4-15 start to the 2024-25 season, Utah's front office likely isn't worried about the team's place in the reverse standings.
However, that doesn't mean the Jazz won't listen to offers for their veterans again, they say Marc Stein at Substackthe great man lists John Collins and guards Jordan Clarkson And Collin Sexton as three trade candidates to keep an eye on.
On paper, Collins put up solid numbers in the '23-24 season, which was his first season with Utah, averaging 15.1 PPG and 8.5 RPG on .532/.371/.795 shooting in 68 games ( 28.0 MPG). But there was a fairly long adjustment period between player and team – his fit was awkward at times beforehand.
Collins seemed 24/25, averaging 17.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1.3 SPG (versus 1.1 and 0.6 last season, respectively) in about the same number of minutes (28 .7) to be more comfortable – and more productive – MPG). His shooting line is currently .535/.353/.949.
The 27-year-old's emerging season essentially satisfied Utah's front office with the decision to sign him from Atlanta as a second-round pick, Stein writes. Collins is owed $25.8 million this season, with a player option of $26.8 million for '25/26, so moving his contract could prove more difficult than a player like Clarkson, the will be owed $14.1 million this season and $14.3 million in '25-26, Stein adds. Sexton, meanwhile, will earn $18.4 million in 24/25, followed by $19.2 million in 25/26.
Here are some more trade rumors from around the NBA:
- Similar Jake FischerStein hears that Bulls are considered a prominent seller ahead of the February 6th close Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic And Lonzo Ball are considered the most likely candidates to receive treatment. According to Stein, Chicago's front office appears confident they can sell “at least one” of these players in the next few months.
- A surprisingly competitive 9:11 start allegedly habit scare off The networks from veteran exchanges to entering Utah and Chicago as a clear seller. “Almost everyone on his roster is available as long as he doesn't take any long-term money backsaid a source Brian Windhorst of ESPN (insider link). “They don't betray anyone. At least not yet.” According to Stein, opposing teams are particularly fascinated by the experienced point guard’s strong play Dennis Schröderwho has an expiring contract worth $13 million.
- This isn't a trade rumor, but Stein reports “increasing expectations.” Pelicans star Zion Williamson will set Bill Duffy selected by WME Sports as his next agent. Williamson, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain, was recently sidelined separate paths with CAA. According to the statement, Duffy has several prominent clients related to the NBA RealGMincluding Vucevic, Luka Doncic, Scottie Barnes And Anthony Edwardsamong other things.
- Monitor multiple teams Jimmy ButlerThe situation with that heatFischer said on a Bleacher Report livestream (Video link). However, Fischer hasn't heard any recent talk specifically related to the six-time All-Star, who could be unrestricted free next summer if he declines his $52.4 million 25/26 player option.
