Clippers' John Collins uncertain about future in LA

The veteran forward spoke about his pending free agency and desire to remain with the team.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:29am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp planes of color representing the uniforms of the Clippers and Warriors, conveying the uncertainty and transition surrounding the Clippers roster.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the uncertainty surrounding John Collins' future with the Clippers.Los Angeles Today

Following the LA Clippers' elimination from the playoffs, veteran forward John Collins expressed uncertainty about his future with the team. Collins, who was acquired in a midseason trade, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. While he enjoyed his time in LA and would love to continue building relationships with the team, he acknowledged the business side of the NBA and said he's unsure what the future holds.

Why it matters

The Clippers face several key roster decisions this offseason, with Collins' free agency being one of the most pressing. As a versatile big man who can space the floor, Collins could be an important piece for the Clippers moving forward, but his future with the team remains uncertain.

The details

Collins finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block in 21 minutes of play in the Clippers' season-ending loss to the Warriors. He shot 5-of-8 from the field and 1-of-3 from 3-point range. Collins' role fluctuated throughout the season, as he alternated between coming off the bench and starting. By the time the Clippers got relatively healthy, he was back in a reserve role. For the season, Collins appeared in 69 games, including 56 starts, averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

  • The Clippers were formally eliminated from playoff contention following their 126-121 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the opening round of the play-in tournament.

The players

John Collins

A veteran forward for the LA Clippers who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Golden State Warriors

The team that eliminated the Clippers from playoff contention in the play-in tournament.

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What they’re saying

“'For sure … I put my heart and soul into wherever I'm at, at the time, and I built those bonds and those relationships with the coaches, team, people that I'm here with. I'd love to just extend it and continue to grow those relationships, but I just understand the other side of the business. But again, enjoyed my time here, enjoyed the basketball here. Aim to grow and learn a lot, and see what the future holds.'”

— John Collins

What’s next

The Clippers will need to make a decision on whether to re-sign Collins or let him test free agency this offseason.

The takeaway

John Collins' uncertain future with the Clippers highlights the difficult roster decisions the team faces this offseason as they look to build a contender around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Collins' versatility and production could make him a valuable piece, but his pending free agency adds uncertainty to the Clippers' plans.