A state of ‘purgatory’: John Collins reacts to latest trade rumors as deadline looms

SALT LAKE CITY — John Collins tries to avoid the NBA news at this time of year.

At this point, how could he not? It’s become an annual tradition to see his name floating around the trade market; a rite of passage that the NBA season is entering the second half of the season.

So while he’s heard whispers and rumors over the last few weeks, he hadn’t yet heard the latest report: He was apparently pretty close to being a Sacramento King.

According to Kings beat reporter James Han, things were so close that the Kings had actually told players they were on the move but didn’t ultimately pull the trigger.

“I definitely didn’t hear that,” Collins said. “Whatever Sacramento is doing there, that’s their prerogative, if it involves me or not. Obviously, I would have found out, but I’m kind of happy I just didn’t have that news. Nothing against Sacramento, just kind of happy I didn’t have that news in my phone. So, you know, just got to continue to be the best professional I can be and continue playing basketball.”

Collins is having a standout year in his second season with the Jazz, averaging 18.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and shooting 44.6% from 3-point range. He’s also passing at a much higher rate and has been used as a creator against mismatches to pretty good success.

Those are all things that should pique the interest of teams with the trade deadline looming next Thursday. The Kings and Warriors have both been heavily mentioned in talks — and a team like the Lakers, Nuggets or Spurs could make some sense, too.

So what does he think of moving to a team further up the standings?

On one hand, such a move would offer a better chance to compete in the playoffs. On the other, it’s still an unknown situation. And that comfort is important to Collins — as evidenced by his play this season after an inconsistent first year with the Jazz.

“This is not an easy thing mentally to think about whether it might be a better situation or worse situation, or whatever situation is out there — it’s not my current one,” he said. “So it’s hard for me to think about that and focus. So I just try not to think about it. Just try to be the best pro I can. Because I really have no control over when or where that is to. Whenever that would happen, I have to restart again.”

Though, there are times he lets the NBA fan in him come out — feeling the excitement of the trade season.

“In a weird way, sometimes it’s fun,” he said. “Sometimes I feel like a kid.”

But reality usually sets in shortly after.

“It just puts you in a little bit of a purgatory — you’re just in a little bit of a mundane (state) and don’t know how to feel,” he said.

But that’s been his basketball life over the last few years.

“It’s been a part of my career and something I’ve had to deal with,” Collins said. “So it just is what it is. And again, I will continue to be the best pro I can be while I’m here. whatever happens to happen. Again, I have no control.”