5 Role players the Blazers should target on the trade market
By Reese Kunz
3. John Collins
On the surface, John Collins’ $26.5 million salary isn’t ideal. He may be overpaid, but he’s also an under-the-radar player that Portland could use. Collins is still 26 years old and would fit nicely with the Blazers’ young core. Additionally, there are only two years left on his contract, compared to Jerami Grant’s four years.
It could be appealing for the Blazers to make a deal involving Grant and Collins (among other pieces that Portland would receive) to provide them with more financial flexibility, given the shorter duration of Collins' contract. While Grant doesn't make much sense for the rebuilding Utah Jazz, they could be an intriguing trade partner to explore a potential three-way deal.
Utah has a crowded frontcourt between Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Taylor Hendricks, and Collins. They can afford to move off of Collins to balance their roster better and open up more playing time for Kessler and Hendricks. For Portland, Collins fills a need as a 6-foot-9 forward who shot 37 percent from three this season.
Not only would Collins' strengths fit nicely with the Blazers’ offseason needs, but he’d also be cheap to acquire. The Jazz acquired Collins for only Rudy Gay and a second-round pick.