The Los Angeles Clippers lost a big piece in free agency.
The Los Angeles Clippers lost one of their starters to free agency as John Collins has decided to move on.
Collins is signing with the Detroit Pistons on a three-year, $51 million deal.
Collins was acquired by Los Angeles for the Utah Jazz in the 2025 offseason as part of a three-team deal. The Clippers ended up trading Norman Powell in the trade along with draft compensation.
In his lone season with the Clippers, Collins started 56 of 69 games and averaged 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and one assist. He shot 55% from the field and 40% from three.
His points production was the second lowest since his rookie season and his rebounding numbers were the lowest of his career.
What Are The Clippers Losing?
Collins was a solid player for the Clippers, but he got off to a slow start and then his role changed a bit after the trade deadline when the Clippers moved on from James Harden and Ivica Zubac.
He was efficient overall in his role, which made him an effective player, but his drop-off in rebounding was a big concern for a team that got smaller at the deadline and needed as much rebounding help as they could get.
Collins averaged over eight rebounds in his prior two seasons with the Utah Jazz, so grabbing three fewer per game was not ideal for the team, especially after the Zubac trade.
He did battle injuries in the second half of the season that hurt his production and consistency.
Replacing John Collins
The Clippers continue to get younger after trading Kawhi Leonard for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft compensation.
They still need frontcourt, though, as Isaiah Jackson and Brook Lopez are their only healthy bigs. Yanic Konan Niederhauser is under contract, but he underwent surgery for a Lisfranc injury in March and his return timeline is unclear.
Jonathan Kuminga could be an option if the Clippers are willing to take a chance on him after things haven't worked out in Golden State and then Atlanta. There is still upside with his game and he's only 23 years old.
Marvin Bagley III is a more proven option who probably fits what the team is looking to do more than Kuminga.
Kevon Looney could also be a buy-low fit as he's coming off a down year in New Orleans, where he was limited by injuries.
Overall, the remaining frontcourt free-agent options aren't great, which could force the Clippers into the trade market. Certainly, no one is better than Collins, but the Clippers could look to do things by committee as they turn a new page.
