From a financial standpoint, John Collins' signing for the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is valued at slightly above $15 million, seems like a stretch. It would be a hefty discount from the money he’s made over the last five seasons, leading fans of the LA Clippers to believe that Collins will agree to a more lucrative deal elsewhere, as there is certainly a team on the market willing to throw a couple extra m’s his way.
However, on the ‘Game Theory Podcast’ hosted by Sam Vecenie, it was highlighted that Collins is projected to go for the non-taxpayer mid-level exception in free agency.
This is a huge sigh of relief for the Clippers, considering they would probably be happy to pay Collins that type of income.
He may not have had the best start to the year, but with how the 28-year-old picked his production up in the middle, then finished off strong, it’s clear Tyronn Lue could use him on the team in the fall.
It would be a steal if LA can retain Collins for the non-taxpayer MLE
In a conversation centered around player worth, John Collins deserves a bit more than $15 million. He was the perfect offensive machine for the LA Clippers, rebounded relatively well in just over 27 minutes a game, and proved that he’s a better defender than most describe him as.
Additionally, Collins’ averages of 13.6 points and 5.6 boards, shooting 55.2% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc, on a respectable 3.2 attempts per game, back up his status as one of the best role players in basketball.
On the contrary, though, if Sam Vecenie is correct, and Collins’ next contract ends up being the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, that would be amazing news for the Clippers.
Why? Well, they are in a position to land one of their most contributive forwards for a few more seasons, who is still fairly young, which fits what the front office is looking for, on a team-friendly deal.
That means the Clippers will not have to worry about Collins’ salary ever being a problem, assuming talks go well and he re-signs, and in the event they decide to trade him in the future, they can, as most teams around the league likely wouldn’t mind taking on the money he’s bringing in.
It’s basically a win-win. On top of that, the fanbase wants him back arguably more than anyone else on the roster..
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