After an unacceptable loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday, it’s safe to say it’s time for the Golden State Warriors to make another move.
While the Warriors may not strike gold by landing a high-motor Utah Jazz forward, they could inch closer to contention.
“The Utah Jazz are headed to the bottom of the NBA Draft lottery this season but have had several bright spots on the roster,” Fadeaway World’s Ishaan Bhattacharya wrote Saturday.
“One of them is John Collins, who the team acquired in 2023 as a redemption project from the Atlanta Hawks after being considered one of the worst contracts in the NBA.”
“Now, Collins is averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds as a multi-positional forward and small-ball center.”
“His contract has two years left and isn’t looking as bad, with the fewer years and the general cap spikes in the NBA making it a more palatable deal.”
“His production is living up to that this season, especially with his 43.8% shooting from three.”
“He is a vertical threat on offense who can shoot threes while also being a high-energy three-level defender.”
“The Warriors send out a package of solid veterans, whom the Jazz can easily flip for additional assets, alongside receiving two picks.”
“Collins’ contract is better but not many contenders will be willing to make the sacrifices required to acquire him. The Warriors don’t have a second-star contract and can use this as a short-term deal to make the squad competitive.”
Bhattacharya’s trade proposal would send Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick to the Jazz for Collins.
The Jazz’s 2024-25 campaign has been a mess from start to finish, but the franchise does possess talented assets with bright futures in the league.
Collins, a bouncy 27-year-old forward with an improved perimeter jumper, is one of the most impactful contributors on the Jazz’s roster.
The former Atlanta Hawk averages nearly 20 points on better than 40% long-range shooting on a Jazz club hoping to finish first in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
The Warriors are looking for a groundbreaking acquisition, but with the franchise rapidly declining and Hield’s production taking a massive hit, Bhattacharya’s trade idea isn’t off base.
More NBA: Warriors may part ways with slow-footed $27 million forward via trade
