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Yossi Gozlan: Utah Jazz cap situation after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. It's easier to trade for him now while he's making $35 million. His salary balloons to $49 million next season. They still have plenty of tax space to take one bad money and picks with the John Collins trade exception.
League sources tell The Stein Line — amid multiple reports about a potential Harden-for-Darius Garland swap with Cleveland — that discussions regarding such a trade have not yet reached an advanced stage. The most serious recent talks between the Clippers and Cavaliers, sources say, focused on players such as LA's John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanović in potential deal structures for De'Andre Hunter, who was traded to Sacramento instead.
Cleveland’s initial interest in Harden dates back to December, sources say, in the midst of the Clippers’ dismal 6-21 start. During that time, a number of key veterans expressed frustration and the front office explored potential deals for the likes of Harden, John Collins and Brook Lopez, among others, sources say. The Cavaliers have also canvassed the point guard market at various points over the past few months. Subsequently, the Clippers have held a longstanding interest in seventh-year guard Darius Garland, sources say.
How do you think you have done so far with the Clippers? John Collins: “I think it’s been solid so far. I’m just trying to find my way. I would say there was a little rough start for everybody. But we’ve all turned it around and just are really staying together. That’s been the biggest part – the energy. I’m a big energy person. That’s how I live my life. So we definitely did a 180 with our energy and we’re just trying to do it every day. I feel like that’s where it started. How do we walk into the arena and into the gym? It’s going as I expected now just with the mentality and wanting to be great. Players are playing. Everything is slowly manifesting with how we envisioned it. It just didn’t start as well as we wanted to.”
What do you think of that notion that you can’t defend? John Collins: “I don’t care. It is what it is. I’m just glad that now, whatever reason, I can defend now. That’s not to say that JVG and Kawhi haven’t helped tremendously. But you just don’t learn how to do anything in the NBA that quickly. So a little nod to the haters. I’ve been in the gym working on my game and I will continue to be a great pro.”
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Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have been playing well. But what would be your case on why they should be picked as All-Star reserves, knowing there’s other good players to consider? Collins: “Consistency. You can count on them to come up big in big moments. I feel like that means just as much as anything, as any part of basketball. If you need somebody to step up or you need somebody to call upon, I feel like those two dudes are so equipped and so experienced for any situation. That sort of relaxes me a little bit. Just being able to look over there and see Kawhi Leonard and James Harden and know that those guys have been through the trenches and are still here and staying strong. These ‘Uncs’ can still hoop. They’re still going hard. They’re still at the top of their game. Of course, some hometown nods shouldn’t hurt.”
What’s your vibe on how management feels about you long term? John Collins: “I’m hoping things are great. It feels like we are. It feels like we’re doing well and speaking and all of that stuff. So I try not to think about that too much because it’s really out of my control. But from what I see right now, it’s looking good. Playing well doesn’t hurt.”
Justin Russo: Kawhi Leonard, on @richhomieflom.bsky.social eating his tweet tomorrow: "I don't know how healthy that is for you." As for advice, John Collins, while rubbing his stomach, said Flom needs to "get some fiber" into his diet for that.
Law Murray: Asked John Collins if he has expressed a desire to stay with LA Clippers. Collins was under an extend-and-trade restriction for 6 months, but that's up now and he is extension eligible. "I feel like I've done what I can... I want to be in LA, want to be a Clipper"
Law Murray: John Collins tells me that he is good to go for tonight Ivica Zubac just did his normal workout. Looks like he could go as well
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Law Murray: The LA Clippers reaport that John Collins (illness) is questionable for tomorrow vs Kings Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) will be out indefinitely.
