When the Utah Jazz decided to trade away Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell last offseason, they were expected to nosedive into a rebuild. Nobody could’ve predicted that Lauri Markkanen would blossom into an all-star. Even fewer would’ve thought the Jazz would win 37 games. But now a year later, the Jazz could fully commit to the rebuild at this season’s trade deadline.
The injury bug has hit Utah hard this season. They’re sitting at 12th in the West with a 9-16 record. Reports came out on Thursday that there’s growing frustration between the organization and Power Forward John Collins, and he’s been officially placed on the trade block. Collins so far this season is averaging 14.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Names to look for on the trade market
It’s unclear what Collins’ trade value is, as the Jazz acquired him for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. He is also owed $51.9 million over the next two years from his 2021 contract extension with the Hawks. But I believe a Collins trade would be the catalyst for the Jazz to sell at the trade deadline. According to Marc Stein, Utah is already willing to take calls on Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and Kelly Olynyk.
But one interesting report that came out Friday morning was that Lauri Markkanen was no longer considered untouchable. The reigning Most Improved Player is averaging 23.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game so far this season. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder are all expected to show interest in Markkanen.
As of December 15, 81 players signed in the offseason are now eligible to be traded. So the trade market is expected to become a hotter commodity within the next few weeks as we near the February 8 deadline. I think the Jazz should certainly be a team to watch in the trade market this deadline.
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