John Collins Signals Desire to Stay with Clippers

John Collins did not mince words when asked about his future with the Los Angeles Clippers. Speaking Saturday, the veteran forward openly expressed his desire to remain with the franchise, signaling both personal commitment and optimism about continuing his career in Southern California.

Now in his ninth NBA season and his first with the Clippers, Collins has quickly become part of the team’s frontcourt rotation after arriving in a three-team trade from the Utah Jazz during the 2025 offseason. The move brought size, athleticism, and scoring versatility to a roster built around experienced veterans.

Collins’ comments came at a pivotal moment in his contract timeline. The extend-and-trade restriction tied to his previous deal has officially expired, making him eligible to sign an extension with the Clippers if both sides can reach an agreement.

With his future no longer bound by procedural limits, Collins used the opportunity to clarify his stance. While acknowledging that decisions ultimately rest with the front office, he made it clear that his preference is to stay in Los Angeles and continue building continuity with his new team.

1. Contract Timing and Eligibility

Collins is in the final year of the five-year contract extension he originally signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 2021. After being traded from Utah to Los Angeles last offseason, his ability to negotiate a new deal was temporarily restricted under NBA extend-and-trade rules. That restriction officially lifted on Saturday, opening the door for Collins to discuss a potential extension with the Clippers. The timing adds a layer of urgency and significance to his public comments, as he now has the contractual freedom to formalize his long-term intentions. During his press conference, Collins confirmed that he has already conveyed his interest in staying with the organization. Reporter Law Murray relayed Collins’ remarks, noting that the forward is now extension-eligible and no longer constrained by trade-related limitations. “I feel like I’ve done what I can… I want to be in LA, want to be a Clipper,” Collins said. The statement reflected both confidence in his fit with the team and an understanding that negotiations will ultimately depend on the franchise’s broader roster strategy.

2. Searching for Stability

After moving from Atlanta to Utah and then to Los Angeles in a relatively short span, Collins has emphasized his desire for stability. The Clippers represent what he views as an opportunity to settle into a defined role and avoid further upheaval in his professional life. The forward acknowledged that repeated relocations can be disruptive, both personally and professionally. His comments suggested that Los Angeles has given him a sense of comfort and continuity that he hopes to preserve through a long-term agreement. Collins’ interest in staying also reflects his belief that he has found a place where his skill set is valued. On a roster that blends star power with veteran experience, he has carved out a niche as a reliable, efficient contributor. For Collins, remaining with the Clippers would mean more than just contractual security. It would represent a chance to build sustained chemistry with teammates and contribute to a franchise striving to remain competitive in a crowded Western Conference.

3. Production and Team Context

On the court, Collins has delivered steady production in his new environment. Through 41 games, he is averaging 13.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while posting impressive shooting splits across all areas of the floor. He is connecting on 55.9 percent of his field-goal attempts, including 42.7 percent from three-point range, and 80.7 percent from the free-throw line. The efficiency has made him a dependable option in both starting and rotational lineups. Despite Collins’ contributions, the Clippers have struggled to find consistent footing this season. They hold a 20–24 record and sit 10th in the Western Conference standings, ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies but behind the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. Los Angeles will look to build momentum as it continues its homestand, beginning with a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 25 at 9 p.m. ET. For Collins, each game also serves as another opportunity to reinforce his value as he awaits clarity on his long-term future.