Whether in the offseason or at the trade deadline, it is a universal theme for front offices to search for expiring contracts, especially for role players. Once moved, they are essentially performing for a long-term deal on their new team, making prosperity a requirement.
Marcus Morris Sr. is an example of what can happen when a player is at their best, as he was traded from the New York Knicks to the LA Clippers at the deadline. He finished the regular season on a solid note, and in 13 postseason games, he averaged 11.8 points, shooting 47.5% from beyond the arc, which earned him a four-year deal thereafter.
Moreover, the mentality and execution excellence of Morris Sr. are what John Collins should use as motivation as he starts his tenure with the Clippers. Collins is expected to be great, but he is in a role the Utah Jazz or Atlanta Hawks never gave him, on the most stacked team he has ever seen, making next season entirely unpredictable for the Wake Forest product.
That said, due to his contract, the Clippers will use the first half of next season as a trial run, and then an evaluation will occur, where the front office will decide if Collins belongs in the frontcourt of the future alongside Ivica Zubac.
John Collins will be trying out for a spot in the LA Clippers' future until February
The LA Clippers' ultimate' goal for their current payroll is to act as a free agent in the 2027 offseason, primarily to offer Giannis Antetokounmpo as many millions as his heart desires. This is why Norman Powell was shipped, as he would still likely be under contract through 2027-28 with an extension agreed to this summer.
Furthermore, Collins, who turns 28 in September, is still young and could receive an extension by February if he continues to dominate, stays healthy, and maintains the right mindset. He has to prove to LA that waiting until unrestricted free agency opens could be a mistake, as the risk of his signing elsewhere is not worth it.
If there is a slight doubt, executive Lawrence Frank will be patient until the summer to offer the 2017-18 All-Rookie a one-year deal, keeping Collins a Clipper, and maintaining the team's flexibility to make a full pursuit for Antetokounmpo.
Additionally, if Collins unexpectedly disappoints, then Frank will move his expiring contract at the trade deadline, preventing any disasters from occurring in the playoffs.