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SALT LAKE CITY — John Collins called it a "sticky situation."
It was an open secret that the Utah Jazz weren't actively trying to win games this past season. Veterans got extra rest, injuries lingered longer, and the focus shifted squarely to developing young talent. The result? A steep slide down the standings in a season clearly centered on the future, not the present.
"It's business," the veteran forward said. "Something that I've never had to do, a speed bump that I've never really seen before."
And something he can choose not to see again. The 27-year-old forward has a player option worth $26.5 million for next season — a figure he may struggle to match on the open market, even after a strong second year in Utah. Collins averaged 19 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot 53% from the field, including 40% from three-point range in 40 games this season.
He faces a decision: take the guaranteed money or leave the rebuilding process behind and search for a contender ready to win now.
So what's his plan?
"I'm just open to anything at the end of the day," Collins said. "I just want it to be the right move. If it does mean staying here, being in Utah, I'm cool with that. I just want it to be right and something I can cherish going forward and look back on my career and be happy."
Sure, he wants to win, but he said that won't be entirely what dictates his decision.
There's the money, of course — along with the understanding that an expiring contract could make it easier for him to be traded to a contender at the deadline anyway— and he also wants to feel like he's part of a team's long-term plans.
"As long as I feel like I'm an important part or building block or whatever, I'm here for it," he said. "I'm a ride-or-die type of guy. I'm loyal. If we're gonna crash and burn — I'm with it. Not to say I want to crash and burn. But if that's gonna happen. I'm still on the ship."
Collins wasn't alone in dealing with the "sticky situation" this season.
Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton will both be on expiring deals this season. Sexton is just entering his prime and has never played in the playoffs. Clarkson is Utah's longest-tenured player, but it's been years since he played in a meaningful game for the Jazz. Do they have the stomach for potentially another tanking year?
"I would love to be playing some meaningful basketball, winning games. Would I love to do that here? For sure. I wouldn't trade that for nothing," Clarkson said. "You don't know what's gonna happen in the summertime or what's happening next season. But having a chance to win, I know I could play at a high level and play meaningful games. I think it would mean a lot to me."
Sexton has chosen, in a sense, to live in the moment. Yes, the losses have been tough, and the situation hasn't been ideal, but he said he tries to look in the mirror and focus on what he himself can do better.
"Honestly, I'm happy to be here, happy to be a part of the Utah Jazz organization," he said. "I'm happy to put that jersey on and run out that tunnel each and every day. So I'm going to give them my all. I'm giving 110% for the organization anytime I'm out there. I don't look at it as, 'I shouldn't be here, I should be there,' I'm where my feet are at, and I'm here, and I'm going to go out there and play for my brothers out there. That's all I can do."
His feet are here for now, at least. It's possible that Collins, Sexton and Clarkson (you can even throw in Lauri Markkanen) have all played their finals games in Utah.
General manager Justin Zanik said the team will have discussions with them and their agents this offseason to try to figure out the best paths forward. He also expressed satisfaction with how the players handled the situation and served as mentors this season.
"They've all been very, very engaged this year, not only with our organization but also the community and the fans," Zanik said. "I think they were largely pleased to be here, even if the results weren't great."
