Pistons To Sign John Collins To Three-Year Deal

A lob threat and one of the NBA’s best big men shooters, Collins saw his role cut back with the Clippers last season despite starting 56 of 69 games — his 27.1 minutes per game represented his lowest mark since he was a rookie in 2017/18.

However, the 6’9″ forward/center remained productive during his lone season in Los Angeles, averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game with a shooting line of .552/.406/.766 before reaching unrestricted free agency this summer.

Collins, who will turn 29 in September, ranked 21st on our list of this offseason’s top 50 free agents.

The Pistons have been in the market for a stretch four to complement star point guard Cade Cunningham since last offseason, when they were linked to free agents like Naz Reid and Santi Aldama. According to Charania (Twitter link), the team made Collins its top target in free agency this time around and envisions him starting at the power forward spot in the fall.

A three-year contract using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception would max out at about $47.4MM, so the reported figures on Collins’ agreement with Detroit suggests the team will either operate under the cap or will acquire him via sign-and-trade. It remains to be seen which path the Pistons will take, but there has been reporting suggesting the club is looking trade Marcus Sasser‘s expiring $5.2MM contract, and Duncan Robinson‘s $16MM salary remains partially guaranteed for just $2MM, so the front office has some flexibility.

Surrounding Cunningham with more shooting has been the Pistons’ top priority so far this summer after ranking 28th in made three-pointers and 29th in three-point attempts last season. In addition to their deal with Collins, they’ve also agreed to re-sign Kevin Huerter and will acquire Isaiah Joe from Oklahoma City.

Detroit has also indicated it intends to match any offer sheet that restricted free agent center Jalen Duren signs, but the team may end up losing veteran forward Tobias Harris in free agency — a report on Tuesday stated that Harris was planning to meet with five potential suitors.