The LA Clippers are making major moves this offseason. The team acquired forward John Collins in a three-team trade and signed veteran center Brook Lopez, the front office announced this week.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The LA Clippers are making major moves this offseason. The team acquired forward John Collins in a three-team trade and signed veteran center Brook Lopez, the front office announced this week.
Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank confirmed the additions and expressed excitement about what both players bring to the roster.
Clippers Land Collins in Three-Team Deal
In a deal involving the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat, the Clippers received Collins from Utah, while sending guard Norman Powell to Miami and a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz.
“This was an opportunity to address a position and a skill set that we felt needed reinforcement,” said Frank. “John is a power forward in his prime with great athleticism who can also play small-ball five. He scores at all three levels, excels in space and transition, and helps us win possessions with his rebounding. We’re excited to add him to the group.”
Collins, 27, appeared in 40 games for Utah last season, averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 30.5 minutes per game. He was remarkably efficient, shooting 52.7% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 84.8% from the free-throw line. He was the only NBA player last season to hit at least 52% from the field, 39% from deep, and 84% from the line while averaging 30+ minutes per game.
Thank You, Norman Powell
As part of the trade, the Clippers part ways with Norman Powell, a key contributor over the past three-and-a-half seasons.
“Norm has been a vital part of our organization,” said Frank. “He’s an incredible scorer — efficient, prolific, and relentless. His work ethic set the tone, and he was a big reason we won 50 games last season. We’re going to miss him.”
Lopez Comes Home
In a separate move, the Clippers signed 37-year-old center Brook Lopez, a North Hollywood native. The 7-foot-1 veteran brings shot-blocking, floor spacing, and championship pedigree to a frontcourt looking to improve on both ends of the court.
“Brook is an elite rim protector and range shooter who brings a different dimension to our team,” said Frank. “He’s also a former champion and a genuine pro.”
Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game for Milwaukee last season, ranking fourth in the league in blocks. He shot 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc, marking his third straight season with at least 100 three-pointers and 100 blocks — the most such seasons in NBA history.
The former NBA All-Star and two-time All-Defensive Team selection helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021 and holds career averages of 15.9 points and 1.9 blocks over 1,105 games with the Nets, Lakers, and Bucks.