It’s a natural question to ask.
After a 17-65 season that put the Utah Jazz at the bottom of the NBA, it’s fair to wonder: Are these Jazzmen looking elsewhere?
It’s a good situation for young players who are developing their games to have the freedom and opportunity to play heavy minutes, but what about those who are in the prime of their careers, being asked to lose games and sit on the sidelines? Would they prefer to play for a more winning team?
It’s even an interesting question for head coach Will Hardy, who has gained the respect of the league’s coaching evaluators despite his team’s record. Would he prefer to go elsewhere?
Here’s what was said by each of the team’s veterans and its head coach during their end of season interviews.
Lauri Markkanen
Q: In September, if the roster is still as young as it is right now, and it looks like another rebuilding year like this year, do you want to be here?
A: “I feel like what I did last summer with signing here, that kind of tells you the confidence I have in the organization and the guys we have. I love being in Utah, so — we’ll see what happens in summer. There’s things that you can’t control, but I love being here and working out with the guys that we have and building this thing as an old guy."
Q: You kind of had a break this season from worrying about trade rumors. Are you mentally prepared for that to start up again?
A: “Yeah, I feel like this year was kind of a one-off. I’m used to it every year — I’m ready for it, you know, it’s just a part of the business, and could happen overnight, like it did last time for me. So you kind of learn to live with it, not worrying about ‘what if?’ As of, right now, today, I’m here, and that’s how we’re living, and if something changes, then we adjust. But yeah, I’m ready for it. But it was nice to have a year off.”
Jordan Clarkson
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) signs a ball as the Utah Jazz host the Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA basketball in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Q: Have these last couple of years been frustrating for you?
A: “Of course, a little frustration can set in, losing games and things like that. But I think I’ve been a pro coming in here, working hard every day, and trying to figure out what’s going on.”
Q: In that sense, would you like to have a chance at competing again?
A: “Oh, for sure. 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. But the NBA is the NBA, you’ve seen this year that nobody’s untouchable. You don’t know what’s gonna happen in the summertime or what’s happening next season. So, but yeah, 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.”
Q: If the team is still young next year, in September, and you’re going in the last year of your contract, do you think you’d rather play somewhere else?
A: “No, I think I’ll be — whatever is on my plate, I’m taking advantage of it. If that’s being here and being a vet and doing that, do I want that? Probably not, but that’s what I got to do to be a pro, coming here and working every day and helping these young guys develop, that’s just what I got to do. But if it goes somewhere else, and we’re playing meaningful basketball here. You know, it’s the same role. Either way, I’ll come in here, be a professional and, you know, get the job done."
John Collins
Q: Do you anticipate picking up your player option?
A: “I hope so. I’m not sure what’s to happen, or what the future holds, but I hope I could come to an agreement, move forward, and start anew. But I just know that’s not how things always work out, in a perfect world — the NBA is a business at the end of the day. So I’m just open to anything at the end of the day. And 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, like I said, to be right, and something I can cherish going forward and look back on in my career and be happy."
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) fouls Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) in NBA action at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.
Q: Does the composition of the team make a difference there? Like, if this team is just as young and you’re still looking at a rebuilding season, would you prefer to be somewhere else where you can win?
A: “I mean, not necessarily. As I said, as long as I feel like I’m an important part or building block, a part of the plan, then I’m here for it. I’m a ride or die type of guy. I’m loyal. As I said, if we’re gonna crash and burn, I’m with it. Not to say I want to crash and burn at all, but if that’s what’s going to happen, I’m staying on the ship. So, as I said, I’m just open to whatever, and trying to stay optimistic.”
Collin Sexton
Q: As you enter the prime of your career, would you prefer to be in a situation where you have more teammates your age and were able to win more? Or is this kind of development interesting or exciting too?
A: “Honestly, I’m happy to be here, happy to be a part of the Utah Jazz organization. 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 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.”
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) celebrates a three point shot as the Utah Jazz host the Houston Rockets during an NBA basketball game at the Delta Center, Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Q: If, next season, the roster is as young and it looks like it’s going to be maybe a similar season, do you want to be here?
A: “I’m here, the Utah Jazz, this organization is for me. I’m happy. To the front office, the cooks, to the nutritionist, to the weight training guys, I appreciate them every day for getting me right to go out there and perform my best. And I appreciate them for everything that they’ve done for me and continue to do for me and my teammates. So the Utah Jazz — I’m here."
Will Hardy
Q: Is there any world in which another NBA team comes to you with a more winning program and says, ‘Hey, we want you to be our head coach.’ Do you listen to that? Or are you a Utah Jazz man for forever?
A: “I’m all in, man. I’m not going anywhere. One, it’s a crazy scenario that you brought up, I don’t see where that would happen, but it doesn’t matter. I’m committed here, I’m under contract here, I told Ryan and Danny and Justin that I want to be here for as long as I can. The goal for me is to put a banner at Delta Center. ...
“I try to operate every day not just with my job or coaching my team but how I try to be present in the community, like, I’m putting my roots here in Utah. That’s not even a question for me. In some ways, my conviction has never been stronger in terms of wanting to execute our vision and ultimately win a championship.”
