Trade season is approaching and the arms race in a competitive Western Conference has teams looking to strengthen.
One of the highlight games late in the regular season saw the Golden State Warriors clinch a 123-116 win over the LA Lakers.
The Lakers went on to secure the third seed, while the Warriors clinched a Play-In Tournament spot after rallying back from a poor start to the season.
In the playoffs both teams were found wanting, with the Lakers bounced in five by the Timberwolves in the first round, with the Warriors meeting the same fate in the conference semifinals.
While the next meeting between the two teams is months away, they could be set to do battle in the trade market over a Utah Jazz star.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesLA Lakers and Golden State Warriors interest in John Collins
The LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors have both shown interest in the Utah Jazz’s John Collins, according to new claims.
Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune told Locked On Jazz: “The Lakers John Collins has been a conversation that’s been had. The Warriors were interested at the trade deadline before they got Jimmy Butler.”
He cast doubt on whether the Warriors could still do the deal for Collins in the way their roster is currently constructed, but their interest has been registered.
Larsen added: “He had a productive enough season last year that there should be interest in the league somewhere for him.
“I don’t expect the Jazz to get value back necessarily in those deals though.”
John Collins contract situation
John Collins has a player option with the Utah Jazz this summer, as he enters the fifth year of a deal he originally signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 2021.
This option is worth $26.6 million, and a sign-and-trade is a very possible scenario that plays out for Utah and Collins.
The Lakers’ interest in Jazz center Walker Kessler has previously been reported, but a move for power forward Collins is more attainable.
Collins, 27, would likely jump at the chance to sign for a contender if it presented itself, with the Jazz tipped to continue to struggle next season.
Last season Collins played 40 games for the Jazz, starting 31, averaging 19.0 points per game, his best totals since the 2019-20 season with the Hawks.
He also averaged 8.2 rebounds per game this past season.
Interest is expected, and having made enquiries for his services, keep an eye on the Lakers, and possibly the Warriors.