Spurs Eye John Collins Trade After Harden's Clippers Exit
In a stunning twist to the NBA season, the Los Angeles Clippers have traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, shaking up the Western Conference landscape. As the Clippers scramble to avoid a massive luxury tax bill, whispers of another deal are growing louder: a potential swap sending forward John Collins to the San Antonio Spurs. This move could provide the Spurs with the versatile frontcourt upgrade they've been craving, perfectly timed for a playoff push alongside young star Victor Wembanyama.
The Harden Trade Ripple Effect
The Clippers' decision to part ways with their 11-time All-Star came after a rollercoaster start to the season. LA had rebounded from an early slump, winning 16 of their last 20 games, but Harden's desire for a change—reportedly tied to the team's long-term salary strategy—forced the front office's hand. In exchange for Harden, the Clippers received Darius Garland and a second-round pick, a package that bolsters their backcourt but leaves questions about their forward depth.
With Harden gone, the Clippers are now laser-focused on ducking the luxury tax threshold of $187.9 million. ESPN's Bobby Marks notes that recent moves, like shipping Chris Paul's minimum deal to Toronto, were aimed at getting under the first apron. Collins, entering the final year of his $26.58 million contract, becomes a prime casualty in this financial purge. At 28 years old, he's a productive player the Clippers would prefer to keep, but the numbers don't lie—moving him clears significant cap space heading into 2027, when LA wants flexibility for extensions and free agency.
Clippers' Motivation to Sell High
Collins has been a steady contributor since joining LA, averaging 13.5 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 43% from beyond the arc on 3.4 attempts. His role as a floor-spacer and lob finisher helped stabilize the Clippers' offense post-Harden acquisition. However, without Harden's playmaking, LA's attack could stagnate, making Collins expendable if draft picks or expiring salary come back in return. The Clippers aren't rebuilding, but trimming the tax bill could free up resources to chase a star in the offseason.
Why John Collins Fits the Spurs Like a Glove
For the San Antonio Spurs, John Collins represents the ideal trade target: a big, switchable wing on an expiring deal who elevates their current roster without long-term commitment. The Spurs have been methodical in their rebuild around Wembanyama, prioritizing short-term boosts while developing youth. Collins' skill set aligns seamlessly with this philosophy.
Standing at 6-foot-9 with impressive wingspan, Collins brings versatility to both ends. Offensively, he's a ferocious finisher at the rim, complementing Wembanyama's elite passing and shot-creation. His improved three-point shooting—up from previous seasons—adds spacing that San Antonio desperately needs to open driving lanes for guards like Tre Jones and Stephon Castle. Last season in Utah, Collins posted 19 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing his double-double potential in a larger role. Even in a reduced Clippers capacity, his efficiency stands out: he's craftier with the ball now, capable of face-up drives and pick-and-pop actions.
Defensive Tools and Frontcourt Synergy
Defensively, Collins' active hands and length make him a solid switch defender, addressing the Spurs' need for size on the wing. San Antonio boasts one of the league's best defenses, anchored by Wembanyama's rim protection, but adding Collins could help against versatile forwards like those on playoff contenders. He can slide to the five in small-ball lineups, pairing with Wembanyama for a twin-towers look that's both mobile and imposing.
Past rumors have linked Collins to the Spurs since 2021, when he was eyeing a max extension in Atlanta. Analysts, including this writer, highlighted his 'layers'—not a franchise cornerstone, but the perfect spice to enhance existing talent like Dejounte Murray (now in Atlanta) or Derrick White. Fast-forward to today, and the fit is even better with Wembanyama's gravity pulling defenders away, allowing Collins to feast on lobs and spot-ups.
Potential Trade Packages and Spurs Assets
To land Collins, the Spurs have ample ammo without mortgaging the future. Jeremy Sochan, a versatile forward who's been shopped in rumors, could headline a deal—his $7.1 million salary helps match, and his skill set overlaps somewhat with Collins'. Kelly Olynyk's $12.2 million expiring deal is another key piece, valued for its flexibility. Harrison Barnes, on a $19 million outgoing contract, might be untouchable given his veteran presence, but he could sweeten the pot if needed.
A realistic package might include Sochan, Olynyk, and a first-round pick (protected, perhaps), giving the Clippers draft capital and cap relief. San Antonio avoids long-term money, using Collins as a rental for the stretch run and playoffs. This consolidation trade thins the frontcourt but upgrades quality, allowing more minutes for Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson.
NBA Trade Deadline Outlook
As the February deadline approaches, the Spurs' tracker is buzzing with targets like Collins. Teams like the Knicks or Heat could also inquire, but San Antonio's picks and expiring salary give them an edge. The Clippers, motivated to pivot post-Harden, might pull the trigger quickly to refocus on Garland's integration.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Both Sides?
John Collins to the Spurs feels like destiny revisited—a player who's been on their radar for years, now available at the perfect moment. For LA, it's financial prudence; for San Antonio, it's a low-risk boost to contention aspirations. As the league digests Harden's move, keep an eye on this storyline—it could reshape two franchises before the All-Star break.
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