Although John Collins is one of the most expected-to-be-traded names on the market, the LA Clippers do not have a destination picked out for him. He could end up cementing an explosive power house on the Sacramento Kings with Zach LaVine, or the Clippers may brew a magic trick out of their magician's cap and ship him to their dream destination in the Minnesota Timberwolves, taking everyone by surprise.
Why is Minnesota the sought-after city that LA will attempt to send Collins to? Because Julius Randle and Rob Dillingham may exist on their trade block, and Lawrence Frank could snag them both for a few of the Clippers' problematic players and draft capital.
Thus, the multi-player swap would benefit both teams, even though most Clipper fans will overlook the Timberwolves as a team monitoring the Wake Forest product.
A John Collins trade to the Timberwolves could salvage what is left for the Clippers
The fact that John Collins is on a star-like contract that is expiring allows the LA Clippers to exchange him for another star on the market. The name whispered right now is DeMar DeRozan, but it could end up being Julius Randle if Lawrence Frank does enough convincing to the Minnesota Timberwolves that this trade is an escape route to his recently signed three-year deal.
Collins is a much better fit in the air and around the rim for James Harden, but the former MVP is grasping for air in terms of help from another All-Star, solidifying Randle as the guy with the best potential to aid.
This season, Randle is averaging 23.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, shooting 49.7% from the field and 35.4% from three-point territory.
Additionally, the Clippers will be happier than anyone to give Rob Dillingham a second chance in the NBA, as it seems the Timberwolves are at a loss for words and hope for their former lottery pick. Dillingham's minutes lately, of 10.9 in November, indicate that he is closer to the status of a reserve in Minnesota than a serviceable bench piece.
That said, the Clippers finalizing a proposal with the Timberwolves would be their successful attempt at shooting for the stars. They would be satisfied to the brim with Randle, as he could save LA in their remaining games and spark a run, going from the lower echelon of the Western Conference to a middle-class playoff rival.