Jazz and Kings Trade Talks: What’s Really Going On?
Recent reports suggest the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings had a deal in place for John Collins, but it fell through at the last minute. As a Jazz insider, I can shed some light on this situation and what it means for both teams.
James Ham, a respected Sacramento reporter, stated that the deal was so close that players and agents were notified. However, Sacramento ultimately pulled out. This isn’t entirely surprising given the current dysfunction within the Kings’ front office.
Breaking down the potential trade, it likely involved Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles from Sacramento’s side to match Collins’ $26 million salary. The key question is whether the Jazz would have received draft compensation. If Utah secured a first-round pick, it would have been an excellent deal for them.
Collins’ Value
It’s puzzling that Collins isn’t generating more buzz on the trade market. He’s shooting an impressive 45% from three-point range this season and has consistently improved his game. At 6'9", he provides the size and shooting that many teams, including Sacramento, desperately need.
Sexton’s Underrated Performance
Another Jazz player flying under the radar is Collin Sexton. He’s averaging 19 points per game on 40% shooting from three. While he has his flaws, Sexton’s scoring ability is rare and valuable in today’s NBA.
Young Talent Evaluation
When ranking the Jazz’s young talent, it’s crucial to consider potential and current skill level. Taylor Hendricks, despite his injury, still tops my list due to his NBA-ready body and physical tools. Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George show promise but need to improve their shooting efficiency to become impactful NBA players.
The trade deadline is approaching, and while some deals may seem obvious, the current financial landscape in the NBA makes transactions more complicated than ever.
For more insights and a deeper dive into potential Jazz trades, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
• Lauri Markkanen’s recent shooting struggles
• Comparing Keyonte George’s potential to Collin Sexton’s current production
• The pros and cons of implementing 10-minute quarters in the NBA
