In nine seasons, John Collins is on his third different team, and a reason why that may be fourth at the 2026 trade deadline is that the LA Clippers fell for the bait in his game on paper. Although Lawrence Frank saw All-Star numbers on Collins’ stat sheet last season, the Clippers have quickly realized that his averages were hiding the reality of a deeper story, which is a problematic fit.
Athleticism and nearly 20 points per game do not automatically mean a player can find a home anywhere in the league. However, Frank thought it did, and with James Harden there to make the Wake Forest product even better, the front office was 99% sure his arrival was a dream come true.