Reporting from Sacramento indicated the Kings and Jazz were in final conversations about a trade involving John Collins — but that the deal didn't go through. Collins responded to the rumors on Thursday.

"However, on top of all the (Fox) drama, the Kings are still exploring the trade market for ways to improve, leading them to serious talks with the Utah Jazz about big man John Co

Utah Jazz forward John Collins is rumored to be on the move one week before the NBA trade deadline. The Sacramento Kings are reportedly in trade talks for Collins, who knows he could join the Kings between now and February 6. Collins addressed the trade rumors, per The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen.

The Jazz and Kings have conducted exploratory trade talks centered on John Collins. Sacramento can make salaries work while avoiding the tax by including Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles. Collins is averaging 17.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 43.8% on threes. pic.twitter.com/1o9HpiRolO

Hopefully you recall our Jan. 22 report about Johnson and Sacramento and how the Kings — after weeks without active discussions with the Nets on the in-demand sharpshooter — had moved on to the

Collins emerged as their top trade target in recent weeks, sources said. The Kings and Jazz held extensive trade conversations about Collins and came up with the framework for a potential deal ahead of the deadline. Sacramento's interest in Collins has also been reported by NBA insider Marc Stein.

However, it seems as if the Jazz were almost involved in a big deal that nearly took place not too long ago, but the trade ultimately fell through. According to James Ham of The K

The Sacramento Kings could upgrade their wing depth by trading for the Utah Jazz's star forward ahead of the trade deadline.

“The Jazz and Kings have conducted exploratory trade talks centered on John Collins,” Forbes’ Evan Sidery shared via Twitter/X on Thursday afternoon. “Sacramento can make salaries work while avoiding the tax by including Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles.”

The Sacramento Kings could add a valuable power forward to their frontcourt ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. Forbes’ Evan Sidery reported on Thursday