The Utah Jazz have been one of the hotter teams mentioned in trade rumors and discussions across the past few weeks, and it seems like those talks are only going to keep snowballing. As the team stands with an 11-18 record for 12th in the Western Conference, many eyes look to CEO Danny Ainge potentially shipping off a few names once the deadline hits.
We’ve already seen a collection of whispers surrounding the availability of veterans like All-Star Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, but a trade candidate that might end up as one of the more likely moves may be none other than Collin Sexton.
Per Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Sexton will be a name to take note of as we get more invested in the trade season with expectations to have “significant interest” around the league:
"Guard Collin Sexton, who is among the Jazz players who could generate significant interest leading up to the February trade deadline, has scored at least 20 points in five straight games. He has averaged 25.6 points and 4.0 assists while shooting 53% from the floor during that stretch. That includes Sexton's first four starts of the season with Jordan Clarkson (hamstring) and Keyonte George (foot) sidelined. Sexton has taken advantage of his opportunities, scoring at least 26 points in each of those starts, helping the Jazz win three of their past four games."
Despite starting off his 2023-24 campaign a bit slow, the five-year league vet has caught up to speed since being pinned as a starter. In 29 games, Sexton has averaged 15.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in just over 23 minutes a night. If dealt, Sexton could plug into many teams as a key rotational piece in the backcourt, whether it be as a sixth man or a nightly starter.
It’s possible a contender looking to bolster their championship hopes would part ways with some draft assets or young talent to assist Utah’s timeline. However, it all depends on Utah’s openness to make a deal involving him. Considering the type of production Collin has shown out recently, it may be harder to pry him away.
Sexton is inked to a three-year, $54 million contract that has him set to his free agency in the summer of 2026. Whatever team ends up on once the deadline passes will have some significant contractual control for the near future, all at a fair price.
The NBA trade deadline is set for February 8th of next year, so Utah still has loads of time to seek out a beneficial deal if they pleased. Still, if Sexton keeps up as a reliable scoring option on this roster, he may just be here to stay in Salt Lake City.
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