TRADE COMPLETED: Miami Heat Make Bold Move, Acquire Utah Jazz Power Forward John Collins in Shocking Deal
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, the Miami Heat have officially acquired power forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz, dramatically upgrading their frontcourt and signaling their intention to make a strong push in the 2025-2026 season.
The deal, finalized late Wednesday evening, brings Collins to South Beach in exchange for a package that includes multiple future draft picks and veteran forward Caleb Martin. The trade comes as part of Miami’s aggressive offseason strategy to bolster its size, rebounding, and scoring versatility — all areas the team struggled with during the latter part of last season.
A Major Frontcourt Upgrade
John Collins, 26, brings a unique blend of athleticism, interior scoring, and rebounding prowess to a Heat team that has been seeking a reliable power forward presence to complement Bam Adebayo in the paint. Last season with Utah, Collins averaged 15.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting over 36% from three-point range — numbers that make him a perfect fit for Erik Spoelstra’s pace-and-space offensive system.
At 6’9” with a 6’11” wingspan, Collins provides the kind of vertical spacing and physicality the Heat lacked during their inconsistent playoff run. His ability to run the floor, finish above the rim, and stretch defenses with his jumper adds a new dimension to Miami’s offense.
“John is a dynamic player who brings toughness, scoring, and rebounding to our front line,” Heat President Pat Riley said in a press release. “We’ve had our eye on him for a while. He fits the culture, he plays with passion, and we believe he can thrive here.”
A New Chapter for Collins
For Collins, the trade marks a fresh start after a somewhat turbulent stint in Utah. Originally drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2017, he spent six seasons in Atlanta before being traded to the Jazz in 2023. While he had solid moments in Salt Lake City, he never quite found a long-term role in Will Hardy’s rotation. Now, in Miami, Collins gets an opportunity to play under one of the league’s most respected coaching staffs and contribute immediately to a playoff-caliber roster.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to compete for something bigger,” Collins said in an Instagram post shortly after the news broke. “Miami is all about work, winning, and toughness — that’s who I am. Let’s get to it.”
Heat Eyeing Contention
The addition of Collins solidifies what is already a dangerous core. With Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and now John Collins, Miami boasts one of the most balanced starting units in the East. Add to that the Heat’s trademark defensive intensity and playoff pedigree, and it’s clear this team is poised to be a legitimate contender.
NBA insiders are calling the move a “quiet blockbuster” — not flashy, but immensely impactful. Miami, often patient and strategic in the trade market, saw an opportunity to grab a high-upside talent at a position of need — and didn’t hesitate.
With training camp on the horizon and the Eastern Conference wide open, one thing is certain:
The Heat just got a whole lot hotter.
