Jazz Insider Projects John Collins for Bench Role amid Lauri Markkanen Trade Rumors

The Utah Jazz are expected to bring forward John Collins off the bench during the 2024-25 season.

Tony Jones of The Athletic said the Jazz are expected to start Walker Kessler at center next season over Collins as they look to emphasize their youth.

Collins averaged 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds during his first season with the Jazz. Utah acquired the seven-year veteran from the Atlanta Hawks last offseason, hoping a change of scenery would spark a major improvement.

Instead, Collins largely continued to stagnate while his contract remained an unfortunate albatross. Collins is set to make $26.6 million each of the next two seasons. The Jazz would have traded Collins this offseason if they would have received interest, according to Jones.

"You can't trade people if there aren't people who want to trade for them," Jones said. "John makes a little bit too much money. I don't anticipate the Jazz being able to trade him until the last year of his contract.

Collins, Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton are expected to be shopped as the team explores how to build around Lauri Markkanen.

Utah's cap sheet remains relatively clean so trading Collins wasn't a must, but president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has busted out on making any other major moves this offseason.

Collins is a solid floor spacer as a big but isn't an elite defender on the perimeter or near the rim. He's a good piece to have in the rotation if you don't look at the price tag, but heading to the bench won't do much to improve his stock.