Report: Jazz ‘Explored’ John Collins, Fournier Deals at Trade Deadline
The Utah Jazz did what many NBA teams do at the trade deadline if they don’t exactly have a roster ready to compete yet: trade veteran talent for newer assets. That’s exactly what the front office ended up doing when they decided to revise the roster this past February. However, it seems like there was a chance of a different deal discussed instead of the actual outcome.
One of the assets the Jazz dished out was now Los Angeles Lakers’ wing, Malik Beasley. What we’re beginning to learn now is that Beasley’s name was thrown around the league an extensive amount in terms of dealing him, as Utah tried their hardest to find the best possible value for him.
Malik Beasley’s name was discussed plenty ahead of the February trade deadline, league sources told Yahoo Sports, as Utah tried drumming up its greatest possible return for a handful of veterans, Jarred Vanderbilt included. The Hawks registered interest, sources said, and explored a package of Beasley and Vanderbilt for John Collins.
- Jake Fischer on Malik Beasley’s trade deadline interest, via Yahoo! Sports
John Collins could’ve been a potential mid-season addition to the Jazz, but we saw Danny Ainge and the rest of the front office choose otherwise. He would be an intriguing fit if this trade did end up going down, being the lob threat and the offensive impact he brings. While his production has steadily decreased over the past few seasons, a change of scenery is likely necessary for the 2017 first rounder.
Along with this deal, we also got word of a trade involving Evan Fournier as well. While he definitely does hold less prestige than Collins does, we probably would’ve seen a similar return package of what the Portland Trail Blazers received in their deal to send Josh Hart out: a first-round pick.
The Knicks were another team that called about Beasley, sources said, attempting to land Beasley and Vanderbilt in a deal that would have sent out Evan Fournier.
- Jake Fischer, via Yahoo! Sports
The Jazz did ultimately decide to pull the trigger on their deal with the Lakers in the end, acquiring their highly-coveted 2027 first round pick that was also thrown around at the deadline.
Now knowing there was at least some traction surrounding Collins and the Jazz, maybe there could be some retained interest as we move into the offseason. Utah very well has the assets to still bring him onto the squad, whether it be one of their less valuable picks, or another player on the roster.
We’ll see how offseason stories continue to surround the Jazz within the coming months.
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