The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have reportedly engaged in trade discussions centered around a potential swap of forwards Rui Hachimura and John Collins, according to league sources familiar with the negotiations. While no deal has been finalized, the talks reflect both teams’ desire to retool their frontcourts and address roster needs heading into the 2025 NBA season.
For the Lakers, the interest in John Collins signals a possible shift in how they want to structure their frontcourt around superstar Anthony Davis. Collins, a 6-foot-9 power forward known for his athleticism and scoring touch, could provide a more explosive interior presence while also spacing the floor with his improved shooting. After spending his first six seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, Collins was traded to the Jazz in 2023, where he had a solid but not spectacular showing. He averaged 15.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season, showing flashes of his old self but still struggling with consistency.
The Lakers, who are always in championship-chasing mode, may see Collins as a better physical and stylistic fit alongside Davis, particularly with LeBron James entering the twilight of his career. Adding a lob threat and pick-and-roll finisher like Collins could also help maximize D’Angelo Russell (if he remains on the roster) or whoever the Lakers tap as their primary ball-handler moving forward.
On the other side, Utah’s reported interest in Rui Hachimura suggests a desire to add a more versatile and perimeter-oriented forward to complement their existing core. Hachimura, who joined the Lakers via trade from the Washington Wizards in 2023, has steadily grown into a reliable rotation piece. He averaged 11.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season while shooting 49.6% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within a structured offensive system makes him an appealing piece for a Jazz team focused on building around young players like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler.
Hachimura also brings playoff experience and composure, something that would benefit a developing Jazz squad trying to take the next step in the competitive Western Conference. His contract — a three-year, $51 million deal signed with the Lakers in 2023 — is manageable and could fit well within Utah’s cap flexibility.
From a financial standpoint, both players have similar salaries, which makes a one-for-one trade relatively clean from a salary cap perspective. However, the final framework could include draft considerations or secondary players, depending on how each team values the other’s asset. The Lakers might push for future second-round picks or a young prospect, while the Jazz could angle for more flexibility or additional expiring contracts.
This potential trade also speaks to both teams’ timelines and strategies. The Lakers are in win-now mode, trying to squeeze the most out of the remaining years of LeBron James while still keeping an eye on long-term sustainability with Anthony Davis as the centerpiece. Meanwhile, the Jazz continue to build toward the future, evaluating pieces that fit within their developing nucleus and the vision of head coach Will Hardy.
While the trade isn’t imminent, league insiders believe there’s real traction behind the talks, especially with both franchises facing pivotal offseasons. The Lakers are expected to be active in reshaping their supporting cast, and Utah has shown a willingness to make bold moves under executive Danny Ainge’s leadership.
If a deal does come to fruition, it would mark a fresh start for both players. Collins would get the opportunity to compete on a larger stage and potentially rediscover his All-Star-caliber form in Los Angeles, while Hachimura would have a chance to take on a bigger role in Utah’s system, possibly as a starter or key sixth man.
As the NBA Draft and free agency approach, trade talks across the league are heating up — and the potential Hachimura-for-Collins deal could be one of the more intriguing transactions of the offseason. Both players have shown they can contribute meaningfully, and a change of scenery could unlock the next phase of their careers.
