Utah Jazz forward John Collins has officially opted into his $26.5 million player option for the 2025–26 season, according to a report Thursday by Shams Charania.
The 27-year-old power forward remains under contract with the Jazz, but league sources say the franchise is actively exploring trade scenarios.
Collins averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot 39.9% from three-point range across 40 appearances in 2024–25. Despite Utah finishing last in the Western Conference with a 17–65 record, he remained one of the team’s most reliable contributors.
The decision to opt in preserves his financial security for next season, while allowing the Jazz flexibility to engage with teams in need of frontcourt scoring.
Multiple outlets, including reporting from Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, have noted that Collins’ trade market is still developing and could take shape after this week’s draft.
Stein also clarified that while Collins had recently been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, those rumors are unfounded. The Lakers, who finished third in the West but exited in the first round, are not pursuing a deal for the veteran big.
That speculation surfaced after Utah made center Walker Kessler unavailable in trade discussions, prompting misinformed assumptions about potential packages.
Collins arrived in Salt Lake City in 2023 after six seasons in Atlanta. Though his role has shifted in recent years, he continues to offer value as a floor-spacing big with athleticism and playoff experience.
