Utah Jazz Receive Major John Collins News Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft

The Utah Jazz got significant news regarding John Collins just hours before the 2025 NBA Draft. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Collins has officially exercised his $26.5 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

Collins, who had his best season since joining Utah during the 2024-25 campaign, faced an important decision: either opt out to enter unrestricted free agency this summer for a potential long-term deal, or stay with his current contract for one more year. He chose the latter option.

During the 2024-25 season, the 27-year-old forward appeared in 40 games, averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field and an impressive 39.9% from three-point range.

Collins Trade Rumors Heat Up

Collins has been one of the hottest names in recent Jazz trade rumors alongside Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as potential suitors, but any trade would have required Collins to first accept his player option - which he has now done.

With Collins officially locked in for 2025-26 (just one day before his decision deadline), the Jazz now have clearer options regarding potential trades in the coming days and weeks. However, as NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported on The Stein Line, any Collins trade might take more time to materialize after the draft, as the market for the Jazz veteran continues to develop among interested teams.

What's Next?

While Collins is technically under contract with Utah for next season, that could change quickly if the Jazz receive attractive offers for the eight-year veteran. The 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday (6/26) could serve as a catalyst for potential moves involving the forward.