The trade winds are swirling once again, and John Collins’ name is right in the thick of it. While the LA Clippers haven’t locked in a destination for the high-flying forward just yet, there’s growing buzz around a potential move that could shake up the Western Conference.
Two teams have emerged as intriguing possibilities: the Sacramento Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves. And if the Clippers have their way, Minnesota might just be the surprise landing spot.
Now, why Minnesota? It’s not the first team that jumps to mind when you think blockbuster trade, but there’s a method to the Clippers’ madness.
The Timberwolves reportedly have Julius Randle and Rob Dillingham on the table-two players who could help LA pivot from a rocky start to something much more dangerous. For the Clippers, it’s not just about moving Collins-it’s about flipping him into a package that can reignite their season.
Let’s talk fit. Collins is on a sizable contract, but it’s the kind of deal that can be flipped for another star-caliber player.
Enter Julius Randle. The Knicks forward is putting up 23.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 35.4% from deep.
That’s not just production-it’s versatility. And it’s exactly the kind of frontcourt presence the Clippers could use alongside James Harden.
Harden, for all his playmaking brilliance, needs a co-star who can create his own offense and take pressure off in crunch time. Randle checks that box.
He’s physical, he’s skilled, and he brings a level of toughness that could help stabilize a Clippers team still trying to find its identity. Collins, for all his athleticism and rim-running ability, hasn’t quite filled that need.
And then there’s Rob Dillingham. The rookie guard hasn’t carved out a meaningful role in Minnesota, averaging just 10.9 minutes per game in November.
But the Clippers might see something more. Dillingham is still a former lottery pick with upside, and LA could be the place where he gets a clean slate and a real shot to develop.
For a team that’s struggled with depth and consistency off the bench, taking a flyer on Dillingham makes sense.
From Minnesota’s perspective, Collins offers a different look. He’s a high-energy big who thrives in transition and around the rim-skills that could complement Karl-Anthony Towns or even serve as insurance if the Wolves decide to reshuffle their frontcourt. If they’re willing to move off Randle’s contract and part ways with Dillingham, Collins could be a valuable return.
This kind of multi-player deal would be a bold swing for both sides. For the Clippers, it’s a chance to retool around Harden and Kawhi Leonard with a more balanced, playoff-ready roster. For the Timberwolves, it could be a strategic shift-moving on from underperforming pieces in exchange for a player who might better fit their current timeline.
If LA pulls this off, they’re not just making a trade-they’re making a statement. A core of Harden, Leonard, and Randle isn’t just competitive, it’s dangerous. It’s the kind of trio that can climb out of the lower half of the West and become a real postseason threat.
There’s still a lot that needs to happen before any deal is finalized. But if the Clippers can turn John Collins into Julius Randle and Rob Dillingham, they might just be pulling off one of the savvier midseason moves in recent memory. And for a team that’s been searching for answers, this could be the spark they’ve been waiting for.