Wed Jun 25 21:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**John Collins Exercises $26.5MM Player Option, Future with Jazz Uncertain**

**SALT LAKE CITY, UT -** Utah Jazz forward John Collins has officially exercised his $26.5 million player option for the 2024-2025 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The decision, made ahead of Thursday’s deadline, locks in Collins for the final year of the five-year contract he signed in 2021.

Collins, 27, averaged 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds in 40 games for the Jazz this season. A left ankle sprain sidelined him in March, and he did not return, with the Jazz opting to rest several veteran players late in the season.

Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in 2023, Collins has been a consistent starter for Utah. However, speculation surrounding his future with the team continues to swirl. Trade rumors circulated around the February deadline, including a potential deal with the Sacramento Kings, and are now expected to intensify following his decision to opt-in.

With Collins and Lauri Markkanen set to be Utah’s highest-paid players next season, new president of basketball operations Austin Ainge may re-evaluate the team’s financial commitment to two power forwards. The outcome of tonight’s NBA Draft, where the Jazz hold four picks, could also influence the direction of Collins’ future with the franchise.

Collins was drafted 19th overall by the Hawks in 2017. He has a career average of 16.0 points and 8.1 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game.

Read More