The LA Clippers have acquired John Collins from the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade, it was announced by President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank.
As part of the trade, the Clippers will send guard Norman Powell to the Miami Heat and a 2027 second-round pick to Utah.
“This was an opportunity to address a position and a skillset that we felt needed reinforcement,” said Frank. “John is a power forward in his prime with great athleticism who can also play small-ball 5. He scores at all three levels, excelling in space and transition, as a runner, roller and vertical threat. He stretches the court with his shooting and helps win the possession battle with his rebounding. We’re excited to add John to the group.”
Collins, 27, averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists over 30.5 minutes in 40 games (31 starts) with the Jazz last season. He shot 52.7% (280-531) from the field, 39.9% (59-148) from three-point range and 84.8% (139-164) from the free-throw line. The 6-foot-9 forward was the only player in the NBA last season to shoot at least 52% from the field, 39% from three and 84% from the free-throw line (min. 30 mpg).
Born in Layton, Utah, Collins holds career averages of 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 block in 472 games (410 starts) with Atlanta and Utah. Collins has also appeared in 29 playoff games (28 starts), averaging 12.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in 29.7 minutes. Originally selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Wake Forest, Collins was named to the All-Rookie Second Team in 2018.
“Norm has been a vital part of our organization over the past three-and-a-half years,” said Frank. “We want to thank him for everything he did for the Clippers, on and off the court. He is a true pro. He is also an incredible scorer, efficient and prolific, with a relentless work ethic. Norm is a huge reason we won 50 games last season and we’re going to miss him.”
Powell, 32, averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals in 60 games for the Clippers last season. Over four seasons with the team, Powell appeared in 201 games, averaging 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 28.1 minutes. A native of San Diego, Calif., Powell has appeared in 617 career games, averaging 13.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists with Toronto, Portland and the Clippers. Originally selected with the 46th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Powell won an NBA Championship in 2019 with the Raptors.