Could a John Collins trade bring the veteran scorer to Inglewood?
The LA Clippers are off to a rough start in the 2025-26 season, sitting at 5-12 and 12th in the Western Conference, and it appears the front office is already exploring ways to shake things up.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Clippers have shown interest in Sacramento Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan, who at 36 years old is still putting up solid numbers despite playing for a struggling team.
The Financial Picture
DeRozan's contract situation makes him an interesting trade candidate.
Amick reported that "DeMar DeRozan, the 36-year-old who league sources say has some interest from the LA Clippers, has a partial guarantee on his deal for next season (approximately $10 million of his $25.7 million)." That partial guarantee could make him more appealing to teams looking for flexibility, as any team acquiring him would have options heading into the 2026-27 season.
For the Clippers, the most logical path to acquiring DeRozan would involve John Collins, who is in the final year of his contract and is earning $26.58 million this season.
Collins' expiring deal almost perfectly matches DeRozan's salary, making the numbers work without needing to include additional pieces.
What DeRozan Would Bring to the Clippers
DeRozan is averaging 17.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season for the Kings, who have fallen to 3-13 and sit 14th in the Western Conference with an eight-game losing streak.
While those numbers are down from his career averages, DeRozan remains one of the smoothest midrange scorers in the league and would give the Clippers a reliable shot-creator alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
The veteran has been a model of durability throughout his career, appearing in at least 74 games in four straight seasons prior to this year, and his playoff experience could prove valuable for a Clippers team that has yet to find its footing.
The Collins Factor
Collins has struggled to make an impact since arriving in Los Angeles via a three-team trade this summer.
The 28-year-old forward is averaging just 11.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per contest, a far cry from the 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds he posted with Utah last season.
He has been in and out of the starting lineup, and head coach Tyronn Lue has been experimenting with different rotations to find the best fit.
Moving Collins would give the Clippers a chance to reconfigure their frontcourt while adding a proven scorer who can take pressure off Harden in crunch time.
Risks and Rewards
There are reasons for the Clippers to be cautious about such a move. DeRozan will turn 37 in August, and his game has shown some signs of decline this season.
His scoring average would be his lowest since 2012-13 if it holds, and he has dealt with back inflammation that caused him to miss time earlier this year.
On the other hand, the Clippers desperately need offensive help, ranking 26th in the league in points per game at 111.8.
DeRozan's ability to create his own shot and get to the free throw line could be exactly what this team needs as they try to climb back into playoff position.
With Sacramento in freefall and the trade deadline approaching, DeRozan's name figures to come up in plenty of conversations around the league, and the Clippers appear to be positioning themselves as a potential landing spot.