trade note: 2028 first round pick is lottery protected, but i could also see Utah accepting this trade with multiple 2nd round picks instead of the first

Kings - John Collins could potentially be a great fit next to Sabonis. he’s been a much improved defender, especially around the rim, and is shooting almost 44% from 3 this year! he’d add great size to their forward rotation as well as being a capable small ball 5. i do think Collins would come off the bench though, likely as the 6th or 7th man.

Jazz - this one is obvious for Utah.. they’re tanking and need to prioritize trading veterans for draft capital. Collins’s value is never gonna be higher than it is right now, if there’s any chance they can get a 1st, even one that’s lottery protected, they have to do it. even if it’s just multiple 2nd round picks, they should do it. unfortunately have to take on Huerter’s 2 year deal, but offball shooters are always helpful for rebuilding teams, and they could even flip Huerter for more value next year when he’s an expiring contract.

i genuinely believe this trade could happen within the next few days, stay tuned!