Pistons agree – Detroit has reached an agreement with free agent forward John Collins on a three-year contract worth $51MM, a move aimed at boosting shooting around star point guard Cade Cunningham. The deal comes as the Pistons weigh cap mechanics and potential roster trade-
Detroit’s offseason just got louder, and it happened in the quiet way most roster decisions do now: with the money already attached. The Pistons are in agreement with free agent forward John Collins on a three-year contract worth $51MM.
Collins is one of the NBA’s best big-man shooters, but his path to free agency wasn’t a straight line. Last season with the Clippers, his role was cut back even though he still started 56 of 69 games. His 27.1 minutes per game were his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2017/18.
Production didn’t disappear. In his lone year in Los Angeles, Collins averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, shooting .552/.406/.766. He reached unrestricted free agency this summer, and the Pistons moved quickly enough to make him their top target this time around.
Collins will turn 29 in September. He also ranked 21st on this offseason’s top 50 free agents list.
For Detroit, the timing fits a larger need that’s been obvious all summer: spacing. The Pistons have been hunting 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. This time, they’re planning to use Collins at the power forward spot in the fall.
There’s also the math problem teams can’t ignore. A three-year contract using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception would max out at about $47.4MM. If the reported $51MM figure is accurate. that suggests Detroit will either operate under the cap or acquire Collins via sign-and-trade. The Pistons’ next steps will determine which of those paths they choose.
Flexibility may come from the pieces already on the roster. There has been reporting suggesting Detroit is looking to trade Marcus Sasser’s expiring $5.2MM contract. Duncan Robinson’s $16MM salary remains partially guaranteed for just $2MM, leaving the front office with room to maneuver.
The Pistons’ priorities have been clear in their numbers. Surrounding Cunningham with more shooting has been their top focus after they ranked 28th in made three-pointers and 29th in three-point attempts last season.
Collins isn’t the only addition in motion. In addition to agreeing to re-sign Kevin Huerter, Detroit is also set to acquire Isaiah Joe from Oklahoma City.
Pistons John Collins Cade Cunningham free agency three-year contract $51MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception Kevin Huerter Isaiah Joe Marcus Sasser Duncan Robinson
So they’re paying $51 million for a shooter? I feel like they could’ve just signed a dude for cheaper lol.
Not sure I’m buying it, like 3 years and $51MM sounds high but then the article says it might be under the cap? Either way Cade better get him the ball.
Wait if they can’t use the mid-level more than $47.4, does that mean the $51 is fake? Or they’re gonna trade someone like Duncan Robinson but he’s injured right? This is all confusing.
Detroit always wants “spacing” like it’s some magic trick. They sign John Collins, then maybe trade Sasser, then they still probably won’t make the playoffs anyway. Also I saw “Clippers” and thought that means Kawhi or something like?? idk.