One of the few players the LA Clippers couldn’t afford to lose in free agency is gone; John Collins has signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Detroit Pistons. This hurts the Clippers tremendously, considering the nine-year vet was someone who brought a strong skill set to both sides of the ball. Additionally, he’s the ideal lob threat to have next to Darius Garland. That’s okay, though, as the loss of Collins ultimately means the front office will make a run at Tari Eason(RFA).
Free agent John Collins has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal to sign with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. Frontcourt addition and a new lob threat for Cade Cunningham in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/kYZlpHVcDz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
This makes the most sense. Why? Well, somehow, some way, the Clippers desperately need to improve, and Eason allows them to do just that.
In fact, Eason will fit in the frontcourt seamlessly, provide the Clippers with a strong level of three-point shooting, along with the defense they are looking for, and will progress in his young career under the coaching of Tyronn Lue and Jeff Van Gundy.
The Clippers making a run for Tari Eason seems inevitable
Right now, following John Collins’ signing with the Detroit Pistons, there is a massive hole in the LA Clippers’ frontcourt. And someone who is relatively athletic, can knock down the three-ball, finish inside the paint, and give it his all on defense would fill it to a T.
That perfectly describes Tari Eason, one of the Houston Rockets’ top first-round selections in recent years.
Last season, Eason averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 60 games.
That’s solid production, to say the least. When the playoffs turned the corner, Eason stepped it up. The Rockets may have lost in the opening round after putting up a late fight, but the 25-year-old was sensational, with performances like 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals on 100% shooting in game one, and 20 points, eight rebounds, and five steals on 70% shooting in game four.
That said, all things considered, it feels like the Clippers have to pursue Eason at the current moment.
Some fans would rather have Peyton Watson. While that’s fair, as Watson is the biggest upgrade of them all, he may also demand a number the Clippers are better off avoiding.
Eason, on the other hand, could be snagged for a reasonable price, which benefits him and the organization as a whole.
And, at the end of the day, Eason puts the Clippers in the same position Collins did for the one year he was in LA: to win.
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