Now in nearly the same boat as the Miami Heat, the Sacramento Kings are exploring trades for their face of the franchise, with a specific package in mind.

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.

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.