John Collins To Lakers? Jazz Trade Talks Heat Up

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 18, 2025

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John Collins to Lakers? Jazz Trade Talks Heat Up

The NBA offseason is in full swing, and trade rumors are swirling faster than a Steph Curry three-pointer. One of the hottest topics buzzing around the league? The potential trade of Atlanta Hawks power forward John Collins, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz emerging as prominent suitors. Could Collins be heading west? Let's dive into the details of this intriguing situation.

The Lakers' Need for Frontcourt Depth

The Lakers desperately need to bolster their frontcourt after a disappointing 2022-2023 season. Anthony Davis' injury history is a major concern, and adding a reliable player like Collins would provide much-needed depth and scoring at the power forward position. Collins' athleticism and ability to stretch the floor would be a significant upgrade for a team that struggled to consistently score inside. Pairing him with LeBron James and Davis, when healthy, could create a formidable offensive trio.

The Jazz's Potential Role in a Multi-Team Trade

Utah, having recently traded away Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, are in full rebuild mode. Acquiring Collins might not be their primary goal, but they could find themselves in a position to facilitate a trade between the Hawks and Lakers. The Jazz's flexibility allows them to absorb salary and assets, potentially acting as a crucial bridge in a more complex deal. This would require intricate negotiations and a willingness from all parties involved, making the situation all the more fascinating.

What's in it for the Hawks?

The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly looking to shed salary and reshape their roster. Trading Collins would significantly reduce their payroll and allow them to focus on developing younger talent. They'll likely be looking for draft picks and young players with high potential in return for Collins' services. This makes a three-team trade a very real possibility.

Obstacles and Potential Deal Structures:

Several obstacles could hinder a successful trade. Collins' contract, which includes a substantial salary, is a significant factor. The Lakers' limited trade assets, outside of Russell Westbrook (whose contract is also a major hurdle), could also make it challenging to put together a package appealing to the Hawks. A multi-team trade involving the Jazz could potentially help overcome these limitations.

Potential Trade Scenarios:

Several scenarios are being discussed among NBA analysts. One possibility includes the Lakers sending Westbrook and draft picks to the Jazz, who then send assets to Atlanta in exchange for Collins. The specifics are highly speculative, but it highlights the complexity of such a transaction.

The Verdict: A High-Stakes Game of Chess

The John Collins trade saga is far from over. The negotiations will likely be lengthy and involve many moving parts. The outcome will depend on the willingness of all three teams to compromise and find a deal that benefits everyone involved. This situation is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of the NBA and the constant pursuit of roster improvement. Stay tuned for further updates as this compelling story unfolds.

Keywords: John Collins trade, Lakers trade, Jazz trade, NBA trade rumors, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Russell Westbrook, NBA offseason, NBA free agency.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on a potential John Collins trade? Share your predictions in the comments below!