Clippers' John Collins Makes a Plea to Stay in Los Angeles Past Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Clippers made the polarizing move to trade Norman Powell for John Collins last offseason. Powell had been an important part of the Clippers' offense, but was entering the final year of his contract, and the Clippers didn't want to give the 32-year-old shooting guard an extension. Instead, they acquired Collins, who had spent the previous two seasons with the Utah Jazz. Even though Powell's absence has been sorely felt in LA, Collins has been as advertised, making a solid impact on both ends of the floor.

The problem is that Collins' contract also expires in the offseason. Currently making $26.5 million this season, Collins will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, unless the Clippers give him a contract extension. The 28-year-old power forward revealed his desire to stay in LA for the foreseeable future after Saturday's practice, saying that he hopes his "hard work and energy will manifest into something positive here in LA", per Clippers insider